Foreign investors see Turkey's stability, says PM

By Bahattin Gonultas

ISTANBUL (AA) – Turkey’s prime minister said Thursday the country’s “stability” and “confidence” had been recognized by international investors following the defeated July 15 coup attempt.

Speaking at a news conference after six hours of discussions in Istanbul with CEOs from leading foreign companies, Binali Yildirim said foreign investors had confirmed their continued confidence in the Turkish economy.

Attendees of the Ninth Investment Advisory Council meeting included CEOs and executives of 20 multi-national companies. These included Alstom, Alzahid Group Holding, APM Terminals, Bank of China, Bombardier, BP, Burgan Bank, Gemalto, Khazanah Nasional Berhad and Microsoft.

These firms come from 14 countries and manage over $700 billion.

Yildirim said Turkey’s democracy had strengthened after the coup attempt and added the government had been working to attract more investors with 100 different reforms such as work permits for foreigners and more incentives for international investors.

"The value-added sectors such as IT, chemicals and logistics, will be supported by our economic policies," he said.

Yildirim added Turkey would have 30 percent more public investment in 2017 to help the country’s growth.