World business leaders see Turkey as an emerging "key player"

The International Business Forum, organized by the Turkish Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges (TOBB), started yesterday in Istanbul. Around 1,000 business leaders from 87 countries gathered to discuss the role of the private sector during a period of global economic crisis and recession that is dominating the world's trade environment. Business leaders attending the forum accepted Turkey's role as an emerging "key player" and praised its upward rise amid the slowdown. Speaking at the Forum, Deputy Prime Minister Ali Babacan congratulated TOBB, which was celebrating its 60th year. During his speech, Babacan pointed out that the printing of money by the central banks of troubled economies has reached its highest levels in recent years and stated, "Regardless, we still continue to experience serious problems and economic growth and development is suffering." Evaluating current economic conditions, Babacan said that economic problems continue to be a burden on the shoulders of businessmen the most. Stressing the financial risks that are present in the future for both American and European economies, Babacan said the growth of emerging economies is slowing down as a result of this.