Turkish gov't economic measures 'exceptionally positive'

By Tuba Sahin

ISTANBUL (AA) - Measures taken by the Turkish government up to now have been "exceptionally positive," head of the Turkish Industry and Business Association (TUSIAD) said on Wednesday.

Speaking at Anadolu Agency's Finance Desk, Erol Bilecik said difficulties due to the speculative attacks on the government in August were overcome thanks to incentives.

"The business circle is satisfied with the incentives provided by the government," Bilecik said.

TUSIAD foresees the Turkish economy to grow 1 percent next year and the inflation rate to hover around 17 percent, he added.

Turkey's annual inflation was 21.62 percent in November, according to the latest data from the country's statistical office.

As noted in Turkey's new economic program announced in September, the country's inflation rate target is 20.8 percent this year, 15.9 percent next year, 9.8 percent in 2020, and 6.0 percent in 2021.

The Turkish economy expanded by 1.6 percent year-on-year in the third quarter, TurkStat revealed on Dec. 10. The government aims to reach economic growth rate of 2.3 percent next year, 3.5 percent in 2020 and 5 percent by 2021 under the new economic program.