State minister Tuzmen: "Turkey will weather the global crisis with minimal damage"

State Minister Kursad Tuzmen, on a two-day visit to the US city of Atlanta, said on Wednesday that Turkey would weather the global economic crisis with minimal damage based on its stock exchange and smaller companies. Addressing a think-tank, Tuzmen stressed that Turkey must pursue trade focusing on good prices, excellent quality and high technology. Tuzmen stressed that Turkish exports to the US had dropped as the lira gained value and in the face of rising competition from the Far East. "Nevertheless, Turkey and the US pursue similar ideals globally. These are peace, democracy, freedom, welfare and the fight against terrorism," Tuzmen said. He also inaugurated the Year of Turkey at Kennesaw State University in Atlanta, set to be observed with a host of activities through next May. Tuzmen later visited the headquarters of Coca-Cola in the city. He also attended openings of two non-governmental organizations, the US Southeast Turkish-American Chamber of Commerce (TACC) and the Istanbul Center.