A vast secular republic, Turkey’s geographically strategic location between Europe and Asia has given it a major infl uence in the region. Its liberal business climate and strong manufacturing base makes it an attractive partner for UK companies. EU accession talks have been ongoing for more than a decade, but some obstacles to its membership remain

CAPITAL CITY ANKARA replaced Istanbul as the capital city of the newly founded Republic of Turkey on 13 October 1923, and since then the population has grown from 35,000 to more than four million. Centrally located in Anatolia Province, it is the seat of government as well as an important commercial and industrial city. Defence, security and aerospace

are Ankara’s leading sectors, with the industrial plants and headquarters of TAI, MKE, Aselsan, Havelsan, Roketsan, FNSS and Nurol based here. These industries have recently

increased their focus on research and development and there are strong opportunities for partnerships. Local defence companies in particular have seen exports to other markets increase steadily in the past decade.

The city is an important crossroads of

trade, strategically located at the centre of Turkey’s highway and railway networks, offering infrastructure opportunities in both of these areas. Ankara serves as the marketing centre for the surrounding agricultural area, so UK companies with expertise and technologies in agribusiness would do well. There are also possibilities for automotive component suppliers as a number of global automotive companies have production facilities here, including German bus and truck manufacturer, MAN. For public sector suppliers, Ankara

is the source of most government contracts. A number of prestigious universities also offer opportunities. Contact Paul Hardy at the

British Embassy in Ankara, email paul.hardy@fco.gov.uk

BESIDE THE SEA IZMIR has a signifi cant manufacturing base and accounts for 10 per cent of Turkey’s industrial output. Strong sectors include agriculture, food processing and packaging, textiles, clothing and leather, automotive components, consumer electronics and white goods, paper, iron and steel, and ship and luxury boat building. Locally produced cotton, fi gs, grapes, tobacco, olives and olive oil enjoy a worldwide reputation. Hydroelectric, thermal and geothermal power plants, as well as wind and solar installations, contribute greatly to the region’s economy. The beautiful coastline has attracted yacht tourism and there are new marina projects in the pipeline. Contact Guliz Kiymaz at the

British Consulate-General in Izmir, email guliz.kiymaz@fco.gov.uk

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