IZBAS EXPORT TO GAİN MOMENTUM IN 2025 WITH NEW INVESTMENTS

Eyüp Sevimli, Chairman of the Board of İZBAŞ İzmir Free Zone Founders and Operators Inc., stated that the export volume from the region is expected to gain momentum in 2025, driven by four significant investments planned for the upcoming year.

As one of the leading industrial zones for production and export in İzmir, the İzmir Free Zone aims to increase its 2024 figures—930 million dollars in trade volume and 363.77 million dollars in export—through new investments that will start production this year. With occupancy rates exceeding 90%, İZBAŞ continues to focus on growth-oriented investments, and it is expected that four key projects will start operation within the year.

4 Key Investments Coming Soon

Eyüp Sevimli highlighted that Böllhoff, a German capital-based manufacturer of connection components and industrial processing systems, Gıco Product Service Solutions (an automotive supplier manufacturing for global leading brands), Alpar Metal, and Roll Nova Izmir Steel Factory are all expected to begin production this year. Additionally, he noted that the China-based Kaishan Group, one of the world’s largest compressor manufacturers, is also set to break ground in the first half of the year.

Sevimli emphasized that these investments are focused on export-oriented, high added-value production companies. He also mentioned the 153,000-square-meter plot recently purchased for expansion, which will begin infrastructure development after gaining official free zone status from the Ministry of Commerce.

Many local and foreign capital companies are reportedly in discussions to invest in İZBAŞ. Sevimli also pointed out that the proximity of the region—located just 40 minutes from the city center of İzmir—to qualified labor resources is one of the reasons why the zone is highly favored by investors.

Investor-Friendly Business Environment

Eyüp Sevimli made the following assessment:

"İZBAŞ is not only one of the best manufacturing centers in İzmir but also in Turkey, with top-tier logistics capabilities. We are located 30 to 40 kilometers away from Aliağa Nemrut and İzmir Alsancak ports."

"Thanks to the added value we generate, our strategic location, sustainable investment climate, and investor-friendly business environment, we are advancing steadily toward becoming one of the most important export hubs in the country."

“Izmir’s Export Does Not Reflect Its True Value”

Eyüp Sevimli also stated that sectors such as Renewable Energy Equipment, Chemicals and Chemical Products, and Machinery and Equipment are strongly represented in İzmir and the Aegean Region. However, due to the absence of specific unions under the Aegean Exporters' Association (EİB) for these sectors, their export records are listed under other associations.

To address this issue, İZBAŞ supports the establishment of Turkey's first "Renewable Energy Equipment and Services Exporters Union" under EİB. Sevimli emphasized that the creation of this union would add approximately 600 million dollars to EİB's export records.

He continued:
"EİB has begun screening firms exporting in the renewable energy sector across Turkey. There are hundreds of companies in this field producing equipment, and a large portion of them are located in İzmir and the Aegean Region. One of the key players is TPI Composites, a major exporter operating in our region. However, there is currently no tariff for renewable energy equipment. For example, a motor part used in a wind turbine is not classified as renewable energy equipment, and a composite wind turbine blade is classified under the plastics sector. There is no tariff differentiation for these products. This is why a new Customs Tariff Statistical Position (GTIP) classification is required. Companies with matching GTIP codes will soon begin to gather under a union that will be established in İzmir. İZBAŞ fully supports this initiative, and we believe İzmir, as the leading renewable energy hub, should host this important union."

These statements reflect İZBAŞ’s optimistic outlook for 2025, with a strong emphasis on high-value, export-focused investments and the region's potential to further enhance its role in both national and global markets. With strategic investments and new initiatives aimed at boosting exports and improving logistics, İzmir and İZBAŞ are well-positioned to play a major role in the future of Turkey’s export economy.