Turkish private sector, gov't to work 'more closely'

By Merve Ozlem Cakır, Sevgi Ceren Gokkoyun

ANKARA

The first Advisory Council of the Turkish Trade Ministry decided Friday to work "much more closely" with the private sector to overcome the obstacles of producers, industrialists, entrepreneurs and exporters.

"We combine our strengths to most effectively parry the threats -- especially in the recent period -- against the country and the economy," the statement from the Trade Ministry read.

"There is no obstacle we cannot overcome, no threat we cannot eliminate and no opponent we cannot cope with while being united," it added.

The Advisory Council meeting took place under the chairmanship of Trade Minister Ruhsar Pekcan with the attendance of the prominent business and industry organizations such as theTurkish Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges, the Turkish Exporters' Assembly, the Turkish Industry and Business Association and the Independent Industrialists' and Businessmen's Association.