Caglayan predicts Turkey set to exceed year-end export target

State Minister for Foreign Trade Minister Zafer Caglayan on Saturday said Turkey will surpass its year-end export target of $107.5 billion. Speaking at a fast-breaking iftar dinner in Ankara organized by the Akyurt Industrialists and Businessmen's Association (AKSIAD), Caglayan said that by the end of last week Turkey's exports had exceeded $70 billion, which shows that the year-end target will also be exceeded. This figure was reached despite the contraction of the European market, a further weakening of the euro against the dollar, and the high value of the Turkish lira, he added. On the country's economic performance since the current government took office in late 2002, he said the private sector has played an important role in the success seen so far. Stressing that producers are making great strides despite difficulties, he said that in order to market Turkey's products better, his "greatest dream" is to have an international fair center in Ankara. Steps towards this end, he added, will be taken by Parliament in October after it reconvenes from its recess. On next month's referendum on a constitutional amendment package, he called this an issue above politics, saying the package contains changes that are in the interests of businessmen, the elderly, women, civil servants, pensioners, the disabled, and every individual in Turkey.