Foreign investors flock to Aegean Free Zone, create 3,500 jobs in a year

Dunya - The Aegean Free Zone (ESB) in the port city of Izmir on the Aegean coast of Türkiye is increasingly preferred as the site of choice for international companies seeking manufacturing operations in Türkiye. 16 companies from the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, the Netherlands, Italy and the US have been granted the necessary licenses since the beginning of the year to start construction in the zone and the projected facilities are expected to create jobs for over 3,500 people.

Foreign investors of ESB include diesel engine manufacturer Cummins and aircraft engine producer Pratt-Whitney in partnership with Turkish company, Kale to manufacture jet engines. Both US companies have started construction in the zone, while a number of foreigners are expected to do so in the following couple of months. German automotive supplier Mahle and Dutch aerospace company Fokker Elmo are also slated to join the 77 foreign companies operating in ESBAS, according to Aegean Free Zone Development and Operating Company (ESBAS) officials. Goods produced in ESB are currently exported to over 100 countries.