Within the scope of the "Study and Feasibility Project for the Establishment of Konya-Karaman-Mersin Industrial and Trade Corridor" being carried out by TÜBİTAK TÜSSİDE for Konya Plain Project (KOP) Regional Development Administration, a technical visit was made to Incheon Free Economic Zone (IFEZ) in South Korea, one of the most successful Special Economic Zones (SEZ) in the world, in order to evaluate its applicability in our country.
Within the scope of the visit, it was aimed to establish business relations with experts and institutions in South Korea, to observe a successful functioning SEE system with its components and infrastructure on site, and to get detailed information about the incentive policies and legislation applied.
During the observations made, it was determined that IFEZ's strategies focus on specialized investors that meet certain conditions and strict prerequisites are imposed on the investor regarding the sectors to be included in the Special Economic Zone. The companies that are allowed to invest in the zone are required to carry out R&D activities, especially on nanotechnology, biotechnology, IT, and to provide qualified production conditions. If these prerequisites are met, investors can pass the preliminary screening and are allowed to invest. Production facilities are clustered in certain locations outside the city.
Another situation observed in the region is that the construction of a new city is taking place in an extremely large-scale area such as shopping malls, entertainment areas, living centers, financial centers, office areas, rather than a production focus. It was emphasized that in order to attract qualified human resources and to realize the production of advanced technology, not only certain facilities but also a living space should be designed with an integrated approach.
In addition to IFEZ officials and technical field visits, the project was explained in detail to the Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey to South Korea Mr. Arslan Hakan OKÇAL and Commercial Attaché Mr. M. Alper ATİLLA. Ideas were exchanged on possible joint activities with South Korea and KOP Regional Development Administration within and after the project.
