Simsek: "Turkey expects a new approach from the IMF"

Speaking at a meeting yesterday on an Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) report on Turkey's healthcare system, State Minister for the Economy Mehmet Simsek said that the nation has made great progress in this area. "There are many things we can learn from international healthcare policies. At the same time, there are many countries that can learn from Turkey's experience," Simsek said. Turkey provides excellent healthcare at very affordable prices compared to many other countries, he said. Asked whether a new deal with the International Monetary Fund would be delayed until after local elections late next month, Simsek said, "We expect the IMF to bring a new perspective to issues we put forth earlier. We're at least expecting them to declare their views. I believe this will be discussed in a few days." Talks with the Fund were paused after the World Economic Forum meeting in Davos late last month, but both sides expressed expectations that a new loan agreement would be signed soon. Stressing that Turkey has a great potential to boost its national income, Simsek said that the country's revenue administration would be strengthened through various reforms in the years to come. On the impact of the global economic crisis, Simsek said that all countries have felt the crisis, adding that the government has taken all necessary measures against the crisis and will continue to do so. The government has a very strategic approach to the crisis, directed at particular goals in light of Turkey's capabilities, and meant to protect general economic stability, he said.