Turkish construction sector sees 2-month recovery

By Aysu Bıcer

ANKARA (AA) - For the first time in two years, Turkey saw increasing dynamism in its construction sector for two months in a row, a report from the Turkish Ready Mixed Concrete Association (THBB) revealed Friday.

The acceleration, which began in September and continued through October, indicates a significant recovery in the sector compared to the same period last year, according to the Ready-Mixed Concrete Index.

THBB chairman Yavuz Isik said the construction sector benefits from a period of low interest rates in the country and greater involvement by foreign investors.

However, while all indices increased compared to October 2018, the Confidence Index rose at the slowest rate, suggesting that permanent improvement has not yet been realized.

"At times when the risk appetite and economic confidence is weakened, the sector becomes fragile," said Isik.

He added that sector actors' hopes would be "somewhat satisfied" by increased optimism in global trade, reduced geopolitical risks, interest rate cuts by the Turkish Central Bank and improved expectations by credit rating agencies.

"Although the effects have not yet been fully reflected, the recent interest rate cuts led to a 15% of increase in housing sales in September," he said.