Minister says Turkey growth rate for 2010 may turn out over 8%

Turkey's economy minister has estimated that the country might have reached as high as over 8 percent in economic growth last year, saying that would owe to strong consumer and producer confidence.

"Exact figures are to be announced end of this month but our data shows that the economy might have grown over 8% last year owing to strong consumer and producer confidence. That would be the highest in Europe and it is one of the best in the world," Ali Babacan said Tuesday, delivering a speech at a dinner hosted by the Hungarian ambassador in Ankara, Istvan Szabo.

Babacan said economy in 2010 had seen a "good performance" in terms of creating new jobs that stood at 1.3 million. "This is, too, is one of the best figures in the world last year."


/World Bulletin/