İZBAŞ: The Address for New Investments in İzmir

İZBAŞ: The Address for New Investments in İzmir

İzmir Free Zone (İZBAŞ) stands out as one of Turkey's most successful examples of free zone operations and continues to be a leading industrial hub for production and export in İzmir. Founded in 1984 as the Leather Organized Industrial Zone in Menemen and operating as a free zone since 1997, İZBAŞ has become a focal point for both domestic and foreign investors in recent years.

Eyüp Sevimli, Chairman of the Board of İzmir Free Zone Founders and Operators Inc. (İZBAŞ), provided an overview of the region’s current state and investment opportunities for investors. A prominent figure in İzmir’s business world, Sevimli has been serving on the Board of Directors of the Aegean Region Chamber of Industry for 14 years and has been the Chairman of both İZBAŞ and the Aegean Region Leather Industrialists’ Association (EGEDERİDER) for 16 years.

153,000 M² EXPANSION AREA

Eyüp Sevimli, leading İZBAŞ's growth strategies, emphasized that the free zone currently hosts 165 domestic and foreign capital companies, providing jobs for over 6,000 people. With the occupancy rate reaching 90%, Sevimli noted that the number of available plots for new investors is dwindling. However, with the acquisition of a 153,000 m² expansion area, İZBAŞ plans to integrate this land into the free zone, making it available for rapid allocation to investors.

Summarizing one of Turkey’s most significant structural challenges, Sevimli said, "We are moving away from a production-based economy. However, I believe that if inflation and interest rates, which are much higher than the average of developing countries, decrease, Turkey's investment climate will improve, leading to a significant rise in direct investments. The permanent and sustainable solution for our country is direct investments, which I call 'diggers.'"

Sevimli went on to say, "We consider every investment that creates employment, exports, and added value in our country as ‘domestic,’ regardless of its source of capital, and we treat it with the highest regard."

FOUR INVESTMENTS READY FOR OPERATION

Sevimli shared that four significant investments, which were started last year, are expected to begin operations in 2025 within İzmir Free Zone. These investments include:

• Böllhoff, a German capital-based manufacturer of fastening components and industrial processing systems,
• Roll Nova İzmir Demir Çelik,
• Alpar Metal, which produces for global automotive brands, and
• Gico Product Service Solutions.

Additionally, Kaishan Group, a Chinese compressor manufacturer, has already begun the construction of its factory.

Sevimli noted that these investments will further boost the region's export volume and contribute positively to the added value structure. "Given the limited space, we ensure that new investments are export-oriented, produce high-value-added products and services, and employ qualified labor," he said.

"With our added value, strategic location, sustainable investment climate, and investor-friendly environment, we are steadily progressing toward becoming one of the country’s most significant export hubs."

RENEWABLE ENERGY CLUSTERING VISION

One of İZBAŞ’s strategic vision goals is to become a Renewable Energy Equipment Clustering Center. Sevimli reminded that the region is already home to Turkey’s largest wind turbine blade factory, as well as some of the largest players in renewable energy.

İZMİR: THE CAPITAL OF FREE ZONE OPERATIONS IN TURKEY

Eyüp Sevimli proudly stated that İzmir is the "capital of free zone operations in Turkey." Turkey currently operates 19 free zones, providing employment for 93,000 people. In the first half of 2025, these zones achieved a trade volume of 13.8 billion dollars and exports of 6.1 billion dollars.

Sevimli also expressed concerns about the impact of surprise changes in free zone regulations and tax mechanisms. "Such changes create challenges in explaining the rules to current and potential investors. These regulatory shifts undermine the trust of both operators and investors, which is detrimental to the country's economy," he stated.

He emphasized the importance of export-driven growth, saying, "We are part of Turkey’s export dynamism. Our companies, benefiting from the customs and tax advantages, foreign currency-earning activity incentives, and simplified foreign trade processes, are more competitive in global markets. Our producing companies contribute significantly to employment and exports, and they operate fully within the system. We must ensure that these companies are not surprised by unexpected regulatory changes."

İZBAŞ’s Commitment to Sustainable Growth

With its strategic location, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and high investment potential, İzmir Free Zone (İZBAŞ) continues to be a leading destination for both domestic and international investors. As the region moves forward with its expansion plans, Eyüp Sevimli remains committed to creating a transparent, efficient, and investor-friendly environment, focused on attracting export-oriented and high-value-added investments to İzmir.