Top business figures express concerns over global financial crisis

Speaking to reporters yesterday, Turkish Industrialists' and Businessmen Association (TUSIAD) head Arzuhan Dogan Yalcindag said that the current global economic crisis and its impact on Turkey's economy deserve close attention. She said she doesn't want to cause any panic or harm Turkey's atmosphere of trust and stability but urged the government to take the issue more seriously. Koc Holding Chairman Mustafa Koc, another leading business figure, said that a new standby agreement with the International Monetary Fund could help to dispel concerns caused by the global financial crisis. "We must be very careful about the issue," he said. "Turkey learned a lot from the 2001 economic crisis, and Turkish banks are now in good condition thanks to that experience." He also urged the government to watch for the impact of the crisis on Turkey's economy.