The country has been busy implementing a number of reform measures to bring itself in line with the EU ahead of formal accession talks, which are scheduled to begin on October 3.

However, it appears that Turkish officials and foreign investors alike are keeping their noses to the grindstone.

Two of the country's most promising sectors for investors-information technology and telecommunications-have continued to attract considerable investment. In addition, the country's benchmark stock index, the Istanbul Stock Exchange National 100, has shown remarkable strength.

"The market fundamentals are strong," said a senior economist with ABN Amro. "What we have now is an economy based on reforms that were pushed forward in 2000/2001 when the new government came into power."

Turkey is currently one of the best performers in the Eastern Mediterranean region, with gross domestic product expected to grow 5 percent this year after expanding 7.7 percent in 2004.

The U.S. is Turkey's fourth-largest trading partner and U.S. goods exports to Turkey from January through November 2004 totaled $3 billion.

In addition to IT and telecommunications, Turkey's energy sector, especially as it relates to gas distribution and safety and security equipment and services.