Turkish presidential office to establish ‘economic and foreign trade council’

Nuray Babacan - ANKARA

Turkey’s presidential office has decided to establish an economic and foreign trade council that will consist of 50 people, 35 of whom will be leading businesspeople, as well as six ministers, according to sources. 

The move is expected to follow the launch of similar councils for justice, energy and educational affairs and basic freedoms.

The Economic and Foreign Trade Could will be composed of 50 people in the initial stage and a total of 35 leading businesspeople, mainly from the manufacturing and production sectors, have been chosen to be a part of the council, which is expected to meet once every three months, sources added. 

Six ministers from the economy administration will also become council members in addition to the heads of leading economic institutions, such as the banking watchdog, two city governors and two mayors. 

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan will head the council meetings if his schedule is convenient, according to sources. 

The council will focus on the demands of the production sectors and general economic planning issues.

Decisions by the council will be compiled in reports to be submitted to the government as recommendations.

The cabinet will decide whether these decisions are applied or not. 

Erdoğan will also follow the process, the sources added. 

Four other councils will also be established in the areas of justice, energy, education and basic rights and freedoms. These councils are also planned to be composed of 50 people, mainly from non-governmental organizations.