Türkiye Anticipates Surge in Foreign Investments Post-Election

Turkish Treasury and Finance Minister Mehmet Simsek. (The minister’s account on X)
Turkish Treasury and Finance Minister Mehmet Simsek. (The minister’s account on X)
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Türkiye Anticipates Surge in Foreign Investments Post-Election

Turkish Treasury and Finance Minister Mehmet Simsek. (The minister’s account on X)
Turkish Treasury and Finance Minister Mehmet Simsek. (The minister’s account on X)

Türkiye expects a substantial increase in international investments, notably in mergers and acquisitions, after the upcoming March 31 elections.
Turkish Treasury and Finance Minister Mehmet Simsek has anticipated a substantial surge in foreign investments and capital flow into the country in the aftermath of the upcoming local elections, slated for March 31.
Asserting that Türkiye currently stands near the lowest volatility range of exchange rates among developing nations, Simsek underscored on Saturday in statements to the press the importance of maintaining macroeconomic stability, particularly price stability, as a key strategy to bolster long-term growth potential.
Between June and September, Türkiye witnessed a favorable shift in capital flows, recording an inflow of $4.9 billion, a stark contrast to the flow of $2.9 billion during the initial five months of the year.
The public and private sectors have remarkably enhanced access to global market financing.
Furthermore, the Turkish bond index has exhibited a robust performance compared to other developing nations.
Simsek also brought to light that Türkiye’s foreign currency reserve accumulation peaked at $98.5 billion in May, marking an increase of approximately $36 billion.
This signifies the highest reserve level since 2014, which stood at $134.5 billion. The demand for Turkish Lira loans continues to be high, despite the limited requests for foreign currency loans.
Simsek expressed his belief that the demand for Turkish assets will notably grow in the upcoming months, especially post-election.
In addition to this, the minister unveiled plans to partially finance reconstruction efforts in regions impacted by the February 6 earthquake. This will be achieved through the issuance of long-term special bonds with a 10-year maturity, priced within standard market rates.
Simsek rounded off the discussion by addressing the reevaluation of tax exemptions for corporate deposits protected from exchange rate fluctuations, which are set to expire on June 30, 2024.
He also touched upon the ongoing normalization of monetary policy, which could potentially eliminate the need for such incentives.



Starbucks Workers Expand Strike in US Cities Including New York

Starbucks workers hold signs as they picket during a strike in front of a Starbucks to demand collective bargaining agreements in Burbank, California on December 20, 2024. (AFP)
Starbucks workers hold signs as they picket during a strike in front of a Starbucks to demand collective bargaining agreements in Burbank, California on December 20, 2024. (AFP)
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Starbucks Workers Expand Strike in US Cities Including New York

Starbucks workers hold signs as they picket during a strike in front of a Starbucks to demand collective bargaining agreements in Burbank, California on December 20, 2024. (AFP)
Starbucks workers hold signs as they picket during a strike in front of a Starbucks to demand collective bargaining agreements in Burbank, California on December 20, 2024. (AFP)

Starbucks workers have expanded their strike to four more US cities, including New York, the union representing over 10,000 baristas said late on Saturday.

The five-day strike, which began on Friday and initially closed Starbucks cafes in Los Angeles, Chicago and Seattle, has added New Jersey, New York, Philadelphia and St. Louis, Workers United said in a statement. It did not say where the New Jersey walkout was occurring.

Starbucks did not immediately respond to a request for comment outside regular business hours.

Talks between the coffee chain and the union hit an impasse with unresolved issues over wages, staffing and schedules, leading to the strike.

The union is striking in 10 cities, also including Columbus, Denver and Pittsburgh, during the busy holiday season that may impact the company's Christmas sales.

Workers United warned on Friday that the strike could reach "hundreds of stores" by Tuesday, Christmas Eve.

Starbucks began negotiations with the union in April. It said this month it had conducted more than eight bargaining sessions, during which 30 agreements had been reached.

The company operates more than 11,000 stores in the United States, employing about 200,000 workers.