GROWTH IN FIRST QUARTER WAS OVER THE EXPECTATIONS

Turkey's economy surprised the authorities with its 4.8% unexpected growth rate in the first quarter of 2016. On different surveys and statements from international organizations, growth rate expectations were generally below the 4%.

It needs to be emphasized that it is a pleasing growth performance. Turkey, completed 2015 with 5% growth rate in total, started 2016 with even higher growth rate which is promising. Frankly, the potential Turkey has, showed itself with unexpectedly high rates of growth one more time. We can clearly say that; Turkey's economy, has been growing faster than various countries', particularly European ones.

In a nutshell, in the conjuncture we are face to face in global economy; we think it is pretty positive growth performance that Turkey has obtained.

Economic Policies Should Encourage Investors

Growth rate is gladsome. On the other hand, another issue as important as growth rates is structure of the growth. Rather than a structure that come forward with private consumption expenditures, exports and investments to find place for themselves in balanced growth is also very important.

In this context, as business world, we believe Turkey is a country who has to keep the economy as one of its priorities in its busy agenda. When growth is boosted with export and investment, economy will display healthier chart.

From this perspective, our expectation from government is; it should encourage investors and entrepreneurs by producing comprehensive policies including from interest rates to new support mechanism. This kind of environment comes along with increase of investment expenditure.