Economy to remain top priority after Turkey referendum

By Bahattin Gonultas

ANKARA (AA) - Economic development will continue to be the top priority after Turkey's referendum on April 16, Finance Minister Naci Agbal said on Thursday.

Speaking to Anadolu Agency’s Editors’ Desk in Ankara, Agbal said the government will discuss additional support and incentives to boost economic activities in the country.

"The economy will also have two main pillars: the first one is structural reform, the second is new support and incentives to further strengthen economic recovery," he said.

The measures will positively impact the exchange rate, interest rates, economic growth and capital inflow after April 16, he said.

The minister said Turkish economy’s recovery in the last quarter of last year came on the back of government incentives and support.

The finance minister also said the government will maintain fiscal discipline in the coming months.

"We will never give up on fiscal discipline," he added.

Turkish economy expanded at a rate of 3.5 percent in the last quarter and at 2.9 percent in 2016, according to the Turkish Statistical Institute.

Millions of Turkish citizens will vote on Sunday in the referendum which calls on constitutional changes and wide-ranging executive powers to the president.