Top Turkish business group TÜSİAD urges gov't to respect fundamental rights, freedoms
TÜSİAD head Simone Kaslowski has called on the Turkish government to take a libertarian line on fundamental rights and freedoms to boost confidence in the economy. Tuncay Özilhan, the head of TÜSİAD’s High Advisory Council, said that the rulerships are likely to make fewer mistakes in an environment that allows “ideas and criticisms to be expressed in a free way and has pluralistic and freedom media.”
Duvar English
Simone Kaslowski, the head of the Turkish Industry and Business Association (TÜSİAD), has called on Turkey to take a libertarian line on fundamental rights and freedoms to boost its economy.
“There is no doubt that we are entering the new year in difficult conditions. We are a country that has experienced, managed and overcome many crises before. I am sure that if we take a more libertarian line on fundamental rights and freedoms, then our country will be able to direct its energy in an efficient and constructive direction,” Kaslowski told an advisory meeting on Dec. 3.
"The rule of law and a reliable judicial system that works quickly and fairly will pave the way for permanent and sustainable growth, ensuring the flow of investment capital into the country," he said.
Kaslowski said that transparency, predictability and accountability are the keys to establish a long-term relationship between decision-makers and financial players.
"As long as an environment of trust, predictability, and freedom is fully provided, we believe in our human resources, above-ground natural resources, the growth potential of SMEs [small- and medium-sized enterprises] that provide jobs and food opportunities to 74 percent of the working population, and our capacity to be creative and different in all areas," he said.
Tuncay Özilhan, the head of TÜSİAD’s High Advisory Council, also took the stage during the meeting, similarly saying that transparency and accountability will enhance the trust of investors.
“For all economic units to make healthy analysis and long-term predictions and planning, there is a need for information which is correct and is on world standards, and this information needs to be shared in a transparent way,” he said.
Özilhan also said that the rulerships are likely to make fewer mistakes in an environment that allows “ideas and criticisms to be expressed in a free way and has pluralistic and freedom media.”
He said that a reform in the law and democracy is a must for Turkey. “We believe that we are at a point where can finally expand freedoms, leaving security concerns behind,” he said.