IMF releases statement on Turkey review

Besides discussions with government and central bank representatives, the team also met with private sector representatives, labor unions, financial institutions, and academics.

"The review discussions focused on the implementation of Turkey’s economic agenda for 2004. The authorities and the mission reached agreements ad referendum on the actions needed to facilitate IMF Executive Board consideration of the review and on the broad elements of a draft Letter of Intent. These agreements are subject to review and approval by the Management and Executive Board of the IMF.

"In addition to a broad macroeconomic assessment, key topics of discussion included progress towards the targeted 6½ percent of GNP public sector primary surplus, public sector reforms, the new Banks Act aimed at alignment with EU standards, Saving Deposit and Insurance Fund (SDIF) asset recovery, state bank restructuring, and privatization.

"Provided that the agreed steps are implemented as envisaged, it is expected that the IMF Executive Board will meet to consider the completion of the eighth program review, together with the conclusion of the 2004 Article IV consultation, before its August recess."