Economy

Throughout 2014 Turkey had to shoulder its fair share of international financial turbulence, especially in terms of currency volatility. However, despite investor concerns, the country has largely retained its appeal and long-term growth potential, provided appropriate structural reforms are enacted. The past decade has seen the economy thrive. A young and growing population and a strategically important location have helped make Turkey a potential economic heavyweight. However, concerns remain over renewed political uncertainty and the private sector’s exposure to external debt. If the country can overcome the current investor uncertainty and improve productivity through much-needed reforms, the ambitious growth targets set by the government could eventually be reached.

This chapter contains interviews with Mehmet Şimşek, Minister of Finance; Mark Lewis, Former Senior Resident Representative in Turkey, International Monetary Fund; and Ömer Cihad Vardan, President, Foreign Economic Relations Board of Turkey.