Our plans for growth have not been affected by the global economic crisis,” Ä°ÅŸbank Managing Director Ersin Özince told the participants of the Ä°ÅŸbank’s 1000th branch’s opening ceremony in Istanbul’s Kurtköy district Wednesday. “ We are completely focused on serving our country better. Opening our 100th branch is proof of our commitment to our country.”

“There is an increasing banking demand in Turkey. We are aiming to meet this demand through enlarging our branch network nationwide,” said Özince, who is also the head of the Banks Association of Turkey, or TBB.

Responding to a question on the affects of the global financial crisis on Turkey, “It is for sure that we are facing a global turmoil that may affect the world for a long time,” said Özince.

“We may not face a deep economic crisis, however the growth and development of Turkey’s economy may stall.” That would not be so good for a society that is young, not so rich and in need of growth and prosperity, Özince added. “That is the problem. That is what we are trying to find a cure for.”

Besides its plans of local growth, Ä°ÅŸbank is also looking into international expansion opportunities, said Özince. “We plan to open a branch in Azerbaijan and a representatives office in Egypt. We are also seeking the opportunities of bank acquisitions in Russia, Ukraine and Kazakhstan,” he added. “We have an absolutely realistic and opportunist approach.”

Aforementioned countries do not have saving deposit concepts, said Özince. “We aim to remain operational in these countries as long as we operate in Turkey. Also, if we invest abroad, we will invest as Ä°ÅŸbank, not under a different brand,” he said.

“The economic and political stability of the region will enable us to grow our business. Moreover, it enables Turkey’s banking sector to be the leader in the region. There is no country in the region, which has a banking system developed as much as Turkey’s banking system,” said Özince.

Meanwhile, “Turkish banks have not requested the government to guarantee their foreign borrowing,” reported Bloomberg, citing Özince yesterday.