Economy minister Ali Babacan said that the budget deficit/GNP ratio would decline from estimated 6.5 % this year, to 4.5% in 2005 and 3.5% in 2006.
As for the public net debt stock/GNP ratio, which was 71% at end-2003, it will decline below 60% in 2007, he added. Thus, according to the minister, Turkey will meet the Maastricht criteria regarding budget deficit and debt stock in 2006, and 2007, respectively.