PM says Turkey to be affected by global crisis to some extent

"It would be optimistic to say that Turkey would not be affected, but we believe that this will be limited, we have taken and are still taking all the necessary measures to keep it limited," Tayyip Erdogan said in a speech at the 11th Foreign Trade Week meeting in Ankara.

 

Turkey increased the number of the countries and diversified the products it is exporting as a measure, he said.Â

 

Erdogan had earlier said Turkey was standing firm and it was not affected by the crisis like European countries and the United States.

 

Turkey was experienced in handling the crisis after the banking crisis the country faced in 2001, he added. "We have reconstructed the Turkish economy in the last six years based on this experience. The Turkish economy sits on a strong and healthy foundation. We are in a better condition vis a vis our finance and banking sectors when compared to other developed countries."

 

Erdogan said the government supported the real economy by decreasing commodity costs and would continue this if the conditions would allow. "We put important steps forward to reduce the costs in industry, in particular those associated with works and energy. New costs will follow if the conditions allow," he added.

 

SLAMMED CRISIS CRITICS

The Turkish prime minister also reacted Monday against circles warning the government of the possible affects of the global financial crisis on Turkey and accused them of creating pessimism.

 

"What they do is to pump pessimism into society. I say very clearly, there are some who eagerly expect a crisis in this country. There are some who expect to benefit politically and financially," Erdogan said.

 

Last week representatives of the real sector said they were concerned about the affects of the global crisis on Turkey and criticized the government for failing to take the necessary timely precautions.