Privatization to gain momentum in 2012

ANKARA (A.A) - February 13, 2012 - Privatization in Turkey will gain momentum in 2012. Privatization Administration Deputy Chairman Ahmet Aksu told AA on Monday that final bargaining for the Baskent Natural Gas Comp. would be made in April or May while it would be made in June for bridges and highways. We are willing to conclude privatization tender for Baskent Natural Gas Comp. this year, said Aksu, adding that Baskent Natural Gas was Turkey's second biggest natural gas distribution company. Besides Turkish investors, consortia from Europe, the United States and Far East were also interested in the privatization of bridges and highways, said Aksu, adding that nearly 10 companies were interested in the privatization. Aksu said that tender for 10.32 percent shares of Petkim Petrochemical Holding would be concluded in the beginning of April at latest. Noting that privatization in maritime sector would also gain momentum in 2012, Aksu said that they would hold tenders for ports and marinas in Galataport, Izmir Kruvaze Port, Izmir Pasaport, Kalamis and Tasucu. Aksu said that the income, which would be earned from privatization in 2012, was targeted as 10 billion Turkish lira (TL) in Budget Law.