Türkiye's Erdogan Expects More Interest Rate Cuts in 2025

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan speaks during a plenary session at the COP29 UN Climate Summit, Nov. 12, 2024, in Baku, Azerbaijan. (AP)
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan speaks during a plenary session at the COP29 UN Climate Summit, Nov. 12, 2024, in Baku, Azerbaijan. (AP)
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Türkiye's Erdogan Expects More Interest Rate Cuts in 2025

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan speaks during a plenary session at the COP29 UN Climate Summit, Nov. 12, 2024, in Baku, Azerbaijan. (AP)
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan speaks during a plenary session at the COP29 UN Climate Summit, Nov. 12, 2024, in Baku, Azerbaijan. (AP)

Türkiye's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Saturday that there would be more interest rate cuts in 2025 after the central bank cut its key rate by 250 basis points to 47.5% this week.

The Turkish central bank trimmed the one-week repo rate after an 18-month tightening effort that reversed years of unorthodox economic policies and easy money championed by Erdogan, who has since changed tack to back the program.

"Priority in our economy program is to lower the inflation... We will hopefully reduce inflation to the required level by using other tools at our disposal in addition to the monetary policy," Erdogan told members of his AK Party (AKP) in northwestern city of Bursa.

"We will definitely start lowering the interest rates. 2025 will be the landmark year for this," he said.

"Interest rates will decrease so that inflation will decrease. We will take this step. This is now indispensable for us."

Erdogan, who once described interest rates as his "biggest enemy," said last month that inflation would fall alongside the interest rate.

The central bank earlier announced that it had reduced the number of scheduled policy meetings next year to eight from 12 in 2024.

According to a Reuters poll's median, the central bank is expected to ease rates to about 28.5% by the end of 2025, with forecasts ranging between 25% and 33%.



Riyadh to Host 3rd Edition of Saudi Tourism Forum Under the Slogan ‘To Discover’

A general view of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
A general view of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Riyadh to Host 3rd Edition of Saudi Tourism Forum Under the Slogan ‘To Discover’

A general view of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
A general view of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Riyadh is set to host the third edition of the Saudi Tourism Forum from January 7 to 9 at Roshn Front.

Organized in partnership with the Ministry of Tourism, the Saudi Tourism Authority, and the Tourism Development Fund, the event will run under the theme "To Discover."

This year’s forum serves as a dynamic platform to highlight new and unique tourist destinations across the Kingdom, offering visitors innovative experiences while showcasing Saudi Arabia’s diverse tourism potential. With over 100 exhibitors, the forum provides an expansive space to explore the latest developments in the tourism sector, spotlight major investment projects, and foster skill development and partnerships to drive tourism growth.

Chief Executive Officer of 4M Event and Chairman of the Forum’s Organizing Committee Eng. Hamza Nasser emphasized the forum’s role in advancing collaboration within the tourism sector. "Through the forum, we aim to promote the beauty of Saudi tourist destinations, enhance cooperation among stakeholders, and raise awareness about investment and development opportunities. This aligns with the goals of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030,” he said.
Since its inception, the Saudi Tourism Forum has significantly advanced efforts to promote the Kingdom's rich cultural heritage and distinctive tourist sites. Supported by prominent partners and sponsors, the event underscores a shared commitment to developing this vital sector.
The program will feature a variety of seminars and workshops, offering insights into the latest trends and developments in tourism. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with keynote speakers, decision-makers, and industry professionals, enhancing their skills and knowledge.
The forum is expected to attract a diverse audience, including business leaders, investors, officials, and dignitaries, creating fertile ground for collaboration and partnerships.