Speaking at a fast-breaking iftar dinner organized by the Akyurt Industrialists and Businessmen’s Association (AKSİAD) in Ankara on Saturday, Çağlayan said that by the end of last week Turkey’s exports had exceeded $70 billion, which shows that the year-end target will also be exceeded. He noted that this figure was reached despite contraction in the European market, a further weakening of the euro against the dollar and the high value of the Turkish lira. However, Çağlayan also criticized the Turkish Central Bank’s monetary policy, which he said is responsible for the over-valued lira, for the difficulties exporters face.
Evaluating the country’s general economic performance since the current government took office in late 2002, Çağlayan said the private sector has played an important role in the success seen thus far. Emphasizing that producers are making great strides despite difficulties, he noted that Turkey should market its products in the most effective way possible. In that regard, Çağlayan said his “greatest dream” is to have an international fair center in Ankara. The necessary steps for this, he added, will be undertaken in Parliament right after the summer recess that ends in October.
He also talked about the upcoming referendum on Sept. 12 in which Turkish citizens will vote on a package of constitutional amendments. He said the matter should be beyond politics, because the package contains changes that are in the interest of businessmen, the elderly, women, civil servants, pensioners, the disabled and every individual in Turkey.
