Turkish gov’t to announce new transparency reforms: Deputy PM Babacan

The government is set to complete a detailed reform package to increase economic transparency in Turkey, Deputy Prime Minister Ali Babacan has told a group of economy reporters ahead of his visit to the United States.

“Transparency really matters. It is one of the main priorities of the G-20 countries as well. We have taken many steps to improve transparency in Turkey since 2002. And we have recently completed around 80-90 percent of a new, detailed reform to further enhance transparency. We’ll discuss the draft package very soon. We’ll be announcing it by the end of this year, I believe,” Babacan said.

According to Transparency International’s most recent Corruption Perceptions Index of 175 countries, Turkey’s record has worsened the most of all surveyed states in 2014, dropping by five points to 45.

Some 46 percent of Turkish businesspeople believe corruption will increase in Turkey, according to a report issued by the Turkish Industry and Business Association (TÜSİAD) on Nov. 27.

“We are now examining the results of these detailed reports. I, however, believe what has happened in Turkey since Dec. 17, 2013, is directly affecting how Turkey is perceived across the world,” he noted.
 
Babacan made a special emphasis on the planned steps to improve competitiveness and fair distribution of rent in the construction sector.

“A rise in a land’s value should be observed properly and this value should be distributed fairly. The creation of a competitive environment is a must to be able to reach this goal. If there is no room for competitiveness, it is no good for us. We made a detailed report to increase transparency in real sector with other ministers and municipalities. This draft will be...