Izmir's excellent agricultural land and natural resources have made it home to many civilisations throughout history. Investments in tourism and industry, together with increased agricultural output has brought the region's growth rate above Turkey's average. The average income levels have traditionally been around 20% above the national average. The city of Izmir covers approximately 12,000km² with a population of 3.7 million, making it the third largest city. There are six universities in Izmir. Furthermore, a number of vocational schools, most of them operating under the umbrella of universities, supply many sectors with skilled labour.
Situated on the mid-west coast of Turkey, Izmir is a naval gateway to many markets. The modern international Adnan Menderes Airport is located only 18km from the city centre and 50 minutes from the complex. A new international terminal building was opened for service in September 2006, which has a capacity to serve 5 million passengers, covering an area of 110.000m2. Most of the major flight operators from Western Europe operate all year around flights from many destination in Europe. British Airways, Turkish Airlines, Lufthansa, German Wings and Aeroflot are only few to mention. British Airways operates all year around scheduled direct flight from London Gatwick 4 times a week. There are numerous charter flights from UK during the holiday season. One of the main operator is Thomas Cook operating flight from these UK airports London Gatwick, Newcastle, Birmingham and also most of the western Europe countries: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Netherlands, Norway, Swedenand Switzerland.
Izmir's Economy - One of the fastest growing regions in Turkey…
Izmir accounting for approximately 11% of Turkey's industrial production and it is one of the most productive regions in the world.
Phillip Morris, Delphi, Hugo Boss, AkzoNobel, Millenium Bcp and Volvo have a strong presence in the region. Izmir's traditional exports are agricultural products, foodstuff, textiles, clothing and iron and steel. Products such as cotton, figs, grapes, tobacco, olives and olive oil that form the basis of the Aegean agro-industry. The Aegean region has an important place in the production of food and agricultural produce both in local and export market and is one of leading exportes of cotton in the world. However, as a result of industrialisation, electronics, automotive, chemicals, ceramics, beverages and beer are replacing traditional export items in terms of volume of trade. Izmir accounting for approximately 11% of Turkey's industrial production and it is one of the most productive regions in the world. In recent years, multinational companies such as GM, Rockwell, Philip Morris, British American Tobacco, Japan Tobacco, Dr.Otker, Carlsberg, Cementir, AkzoNobel, Tesco, Ikea, Hugo Boss, Delphi, Temamet, and many more have chosen Izmir as a base due to its advantageous location.
The Izmir Technology Development Zone - Izmir's Urla district is about to become a leading spot for Turkey's technological developments, as a French firm, CICOM, which supports technology zones in different countries, signs a contract with the Izmir Institute of Technology to make 4 billion worth investment. The zone occupies an area of 225.5 hectares on the campus of The Izmir Institute of Technology (IYTE). The Zone is ready to serve entrepreneurs with five buildings in 12.200 sq metres of enclosed space. The Zone is 45 kilometres from Izmir and 30 kilometres from Çesme seaport. French firm CICOM, which has helped found 18 technology development around the world, will give its support to the Urla Technology Development Zone, giving it the potential to be one of the leading technology zones in the world. “They will organize the region to provide services for small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) with limited research and development possibilities." Professor Zafer Ilken - member of the Izmir Technology Zone Management Board and the rector of IYTE
The zone can be reached by a three-lane highway, ferries, air after the completion of the Alacati airport and metro.
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