World Bank President Jim Yong Kim praised Turkey's socio-economic development over the last decade, speaking at a historic economic conference in Turkey’s third largest metropolis on Wednesday.
Kim recalled Turkey’s founding father Ataturk’s emphasis on economic development "as the backbone of an ideal of Turkey" that is free and prosperous.
"Turkey has made great strides in the realization of this ideal, thanks to a solid track record of macro-economic management and structural reforms," he said in his opening remarks at the fifth Izmir Economic Congress, held in the western province of Izmir.
The World Bank is opening on Wednesday its first Global Islamic Finance Development Center at the premises of Borsa Istanbul, Turkey's joint stock exchange.
The Izmir Economic Congress was first held shortly after the foundation of the Republic 90 years ago. Its fifth gathering boasted high-level attendance from the government, with Turkish President Abdullah Gul and Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan participating.
- "Countries have much to learn"
The World Bank’s Kim highlighted three areas where the Turkish government has achieved remarkable success since the beginning of twenty first century.
Kim said Turkey took less than a decade to achieve universal health coverage. He said the policies since 2003 helped the country decrease infant mortality by two thirds and maternal mortality by 80 percent, while increasing average life expectancy by 10 years.
He also touched on Turkey's increasing ability to attract and encourage investment, as well as its energy policies.
He added that the country's emergency preparedness has been enhanced considerably since the devastating 1999 earthquake that left at least 17,000 people dead and half a million homeless.
"Countries have much to learn from the policies, as well as the sequencing of the reforms," Kim said.
Kim noted that Turkey still had work to do, in particular in raising labor force participation of women and helping a growing young workforce acquire skills needed for professional competence.
Kim added that the focus on Islamic finance was significant for the contributions it would make to a financial sector that grows ten percent a year and has reached nearly 1.5 trillion dollars in size.
In response to a question on if Turkey could reach its 2023 target, Kim expressed his hopes saying, "Turkey is taking very important steps to overcome the challenges that Turkish government has. We are sure Turkey will overcome all the difficulties with its policies that it follows."
Kim also celebrated Turkey for its policies on climate change. "While Turkey meets its energy production needs, it also succeeds to increase its renewable energy production," he emphasized.
World Bank needs to step up, says Erdogan
Meanwhile Turkish government has received 135 million dollars to help it support Syrian refugees entering into Turkey, but it has spent more than 2 billion dollars, said Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan speaking at the opening ceremony of the Fifth Izmir Economy Congress.
He talked about the "sociological impact" of helping over half a million Syrian refugees who have entered Turkey since the start of the war over two years ago. But we will endure it, he said, because they are "our neighbours, our brothers, we share common values."
He called on the world to show more "sensitivity" towards Turkey over its situation. Erdogan, who was due to meet World Bank head Jim Yong Kim after his speach, added that the international finance organisation has "important responsibilities" in this area.
Erdogan also called on all 76 million Turks to work together so that each one gets a bigger portion of what is a strong economy. The premier also added that the high speed railway project between Ankara-Eskisehir is complete and it's link to Istanbul will be completed before the New Year.
Erdogan also stressed that world governments had turned their backs while the Egyptian people tried to protect their lives and struggled against the coup. He underlined that turning backs "destroyed global justice."
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