“Türkiye to grow over 8 percent in 2010”

Sabah - Backed by a surge in employment and high consumer confidence, Türkiye’s 2010 growth is expected to exceed 8 percent, according to Türkiye’s Minister of State and Deputy Prime Minister Ali Babacan.

Babacan, attending a dinner at the Hungarian Embassy in Ankara, said that the Turkish economy’s performance in 2010 was exceptional and that the growth rate may well exceed the 8 percent estimate. “The consumer and producer confidence is very strong and figures indicate an over 8 percent growth for the last year,” said Babacan about the soon-to-be announced economic growth rate.

Noting that the prospected growth figure is the highest in Europe and one of the highest for the rest of the world, Babacan touched upon 2010’s positive employment figures. “Employment has risen by 1.3 million in 2010 -- one of the highest in the world,” said Babacan.