Economic Updates: Turkey

Turkey: From strength to strength

Eastern Europe | 12 Apr 2012

Increased foreign mergers and acquisitions (M&A) activity and regulatory changes that encourage consolidation are expected to dramatically alter the commercial playing field in Turkey over the next several years.

Turkey: Taking off in aviation

Eastern Europe | 5 Apr 2012

The Turkish aviation sector is experiencing accelerating growth with foreign firms taking note of fresh opportunities. The new alliance in early March between Aéroports de Paris (AdP) and TAV, the Turkish airports operator, is a sign that the rapid growth in passenger numbers and air traffic at the country’s main airports has not only drawn interest from international investors but is also spurring TAV to expand to other regions.

Turkey: Trading up

Eastern Europe | 26 Mar 2012

The recent announcement of plans for the establishment of new free trade agreements (FTAs) with Malaysia and South Korea in the first half of 2012 will likely lead to a significant increase in trade between Turkey and East Asia.

Turkey: Retail rules in real estate

Asia | 14 Mar 2012

The minarets of Istanbul’s Hagia Sofia, an iconic part of the city’s skyline, will soon be joined by a tower to become one of the tallest buildings in Europe. The Scottish-designed tower, part of “Metropol Istanbul”, will be located in the new financial district in Ataşehir, which is now beginning to take shape.

Turkey: Connecting continents

Eastern Europe | 7 Mar 2012

Istanbul’s public transport system is set to be radically overhauled by the addition of an underwater transit tunnel, new train stations and a possible third bridge over the Bosphorus. The most recent development in Turkey’s transport section has been the completion of the undersea section of the Bosphorus tunnel – or “Marmaray” – project.

Turkey: Healthy progress

Eastern Europe | 23 Feb 2012

Major changes are under way in the Turkish health care system in both the private and public sectors. While higher rates of hospital accreditation and a focus on attracting foreign customers is increasing the quality of care in the private sector, more Turkish citizens and permanent residents will be enrolled in the state system, following the institution of a universal health insurance policy.

Turkey: Automobile market drives on

Eastern Europe | 15 Feb 2012

These are exciting times for Turkish car manufacturers, who are riding a wave of growth thanks to a weak lira, increasing investment in research and development (R&D) and foreign firms’ boosting of local production. In a sign of the local industry’s growing maturity, one domestic investment firm is now the frontrunner in the takeover of an ailing European car manufacturer.