Date: 17 January 2007
Topics included Turkey's business opportunities and competition, European Union accession, geopolitical role and bridging civilizations.
"I am pleased by Turkey's improvement, which is now ranked 59th in the global competitiveness index," said Jean-Luc. "This is a significant achievement and further proof of the strengthened economic fundamentals taking hold in Turkey."
Turkey is internationally competitive in a number of important business sectors, including textiles, financial services and automotive. The government has pressed ahead with a major program of privatizations, including the sale of Turk Telecom and of Tupras, an oil refiner.
With an estimated 25 percent of the population under the age of 15, the labor force will be fast-growing and youthful for years to come. Turkey's continued competitiveness will depend on the ability not only to provide education for its young population, but also to create job opportunities.
"For Turkey to continue to increase its competitiveness, innovation has to be a top priority on our agenda," said Güler Sabanci, forum co-chair.
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