IFC intends to invest $2 billion in Turkey

Lars Thunell, the executive vice president and chief executive officer (CEO) of the International Finance Corporation (IFC), said that the corporation intends to invest some $2 billion in Turkey in 2012-2015.  Thunell said the Turkish economy has proved it is resistant to the global economic crisis at a time when concerns about the euro-zone and global uncertainties have increased, adding that Turkey should continue strengthening the business atmosphere in the country, supporting particularly small and medium scale enterprises and strengthening working conditions, vocational training and talent. Stating that the IFC is mainly funding projects to eliminate gender inequality, increase energy efficiency and develop underdeveloped parts of Turkey, Thunell said, "Furthermore, we have been offering innovative and creative products in order to improve corporate bond markets in Turkey." Thunell also underlined that the IFC would make giant investments in Turkey that could enable Istanbul to host the Olympic Games in 2020. Stating that the IFC attaches importance to allowing Turkish companies to achieve regional growth, Thunell said that Turkish companies were considerably interested in the Middle East, North Africa, Central Asia and the Commonwealth of Independent States.  "The IFC had invested $350 million to contribute to the regional development of 15 Turkish companies between 2008 and 2011," adding that the IFC has confidence in Turkey and would keep investing in the country starting with plans to invest some $2 billion in Turkey between 2012 and 2015.