Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
08ANKARA2087
2008-12-04 12:31:00
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Embassy Ankara
Cable title:
TURKEY ALSO CONCERNED ABOUT PROTECTIONIST SPIRAL,
how-toVZCZCXYZ0002 PP RUEHWEB DE RUEHAK #2087 3391231 ZNR UUUUU ZZH P 041231Z DEC 08 FM AMEMBASSY ANKARA TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 8196 INFO RUEHBJ/AMEMBASSY BEIJING PRIORITY 0361 RUEHRL/AMEMBASSY BERLIN PRIORITY 4291 RUEHBR/AMEMBASSY BRASILIA PRIORITY 0120 RUEHBU/AMEMBASSY BUENOS AIRES PRIORITY 0053 RUEHBY/AMEMBASSY CANBERRA PRIORITY 0298 RUEHJA/AMEMBASSY JAKARTA PRIORITY 0132 RUEHLO/AMEMBASSY LONDON PRIORITY 3273 RUEHME/AMEMBASSY MEXICO PRIORITY 0078 RUEHMO/AMEMBASSY MOSCOW PRIORITY 5646 RUEHNE/AMEMBASSY NEW DELHI PRIORITY 0490 RUEHOT/AMEMBASSY OTTAWA PRIORITY 0275 RUEHFR/AMEMBASSY PARIS PRIORITY 5464 RUEHSA/AMEMBASSY PRETORIA PRIORITY 0123 RUEHRH/AMEMBASSY RIYADH PRIORITY 0649 RUEHRO/AMEMBASSY ROME PRIORITY 6716 RUEHUL/AMEMBASSY SEOUL PRIORITY 0226 RUEHKO/AMEMBASSY TOKYO PRIORITY 1001 RUEHBS/USEU BRUSSELS PRIORITY RUEHGV/USMISSION GENEVA PRIORITY 1593 RUCNDT/USMISSION USUN NEW YORK PRIORITY 3449
UNCLAS ANKARA 002087
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
EEB/TPA/MTAA FOR BRIAN NATZIGER
DEPT PLEASE PASS USTR FOR CARA MORROW
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: EFIN ETRD PREL ECON WTRO
SUBJECT: TURKEY ALSO CONCERNED ABOUT PROTECTIONIST SPIRAL,
BUT MAY TAKE MEASURES OF ITS OWN
REF: STATE 125609
UNCLAS ANKARA 002087
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
EEB/TPA/MTAA FOR BRIAN NATZIGER
DEPT PLEASE PASS USTR FOR CARA MORROW
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: EFIN ETRD PREL ECON WTRO
SUBJECT: TURKEY ALSO CONCERNED ABOUT PROTECTIONIST SPIRAL,
BUT MAY TAKE MEASURES OF ITS OWN
REF: STATE 125609
1. (SBU) We delivered reftel talking points to Ibrahim
Yagli, MFA Department Head in the Office of Multilateral
Economic Affairs. He observed that the GOT had not been
aware of the protectionist measures taken by India, Brazil,
and Argentina. Yagli agreed that such activities could
create a dangerous spiral and emphasized that Turkey has not
undertaken any new protectionist measures since the G20
summit.
2. (SBU) Yagli admitted, however, that the GOT's economic
program has not been fully defined and that some measures
that might appear protectionist could be included. He
promised to transmit our concerns to the group at Treasury
that is defining that program. Yagli also asked whether the
USG had any information concerning possible protectionist
measures in China, noting that as an engine of the world
economy it is important that the Chinese market remain open
and free.
3. (SBU) Comment: While Yagli's statement that no new
protectionist measures have been implemented is accurate,
there is evidence that the GOT is trying to reinvigorate
existing protectionist rules. A recent circular from the
Prime Minister's office urged the public sector to procure
goods locally when possible and reminded them that Turkish
companies can receive a 15 percent cost-adjustment in
competitive procurement bids. This is not a new regulation,
but the PM's decision to issue a circular just to remind
agencies that they can give preference to Turkish goods is
unusual. U.S. pharmaceutical companies have expressed concern
that this may disadvantage them in health sector tenders. End
comment.
Visit Ankara's Classified Web Site at
http://www.intelink.sgov.gov/wiki/Portal:Turk ey
JEFFREY
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
EEB/TPA/MTAA FOR BRIAN NATZIGER
DEPT PLEASE PASS USTR FOR CARA MORROW
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: EFIN ETRD PREL ECON WTRO
SUBJECT: TURKEY ALSO CONCERNED ABOUT PROTECTIONIST SPIRAL,
BUT MAY TAKE MEASURES OF ITS OWN
REF: STATE 125609
1. (SBU) We delivered reftel talking points to Ibrahim
Yagli, MFA Department Head in the Office of Multilateral
Economic Affairs. He observed that the GOT had not been
aware of the protectionist measures taken by India, Brazil,
and Argentina. Yagli agreed that such activities could
create a dangerous spiral and emphasized that Turkey has not
undertaken any new protectionist measures since the G20
summit.
2. (SBU) Yagli admitted, however, that the GOT's economic
program has not been fully defined and that some measures
that might appear protectionist could be included. He
promised to transmit our concerns to the group at Treasury
that is defining that program. Yagli also asked whether the
USG had any information concerning possible protectionist
measures in China, noting that as an engine of the world
economy it is important that the Chinese market remain open
and free.
3. (SBU) Comment: While Yagli's statement that no new
protectionist measures have been implemented is accurate,
there is evidence that the GOT is trying to reinvigorate
existing protectionist rules. A recent circular from the
Prime Minister's office urged the public sector to procure
goods locally when possible and reminded them that Turkish
companies can receive a 15 percent cost-adjustment in
competitive procurement bids. This is not a new regulation,
but the PM's decision to issue a circular just to remind
agencies that they can give preference to Turkish goods is
unusual. U.S. pharmaceutical companies have expressed concern
that this may disadvantage them in health sector tenders. End
comment.
Visit Ankara's Classified Web Site at
http://www.intelink.sgov.gov/wiki/Portal:Turk ey
JEFFREY