Erdogan announces plans to move Istanbul stock exchange across Bosphorus

Speaking at a conference marking the 25th anniversary of the Istanbul Stock Exchange (ISE), Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan yesterday said he plans to move the ISE to Atasehir on the Asian side of the city. The government aims to turn the Atasehir district into a regional and global financial center, he said, adding, "Whatever people say, Istanbul is a center of finance. As it takes advantage of the benefits of its location, the Istanbul Stock Exchange will have a more international identity, making the world hear the voice of the Turkish economy." From Istanbul, a two-hour flight can take a person to three continents, Erdogan pointed out. "Istanbul is oriented toward Europe, but it also appeals to the Middle East, Caucasus, Balkans and Africa," he said. Istanbul will continue to bring together East and West, North and South, Erdogan said, adding, "I hope this beautiful city will become an important international economic center." Erdogan also repeated that Turkey could rank among the world's top 10 economies by 2023, the Turkish Republic's centenary.