Free Zones in Turkey started to establish in 1985 after adopting a law at times when Turgut Özal was in power. Antalya Free Zone, one of two first established Free Zones in Turkey, began operating in 1987. Initionally the functions of ASBAŞ were giving Logistic support to foreign contracting companies and being a storage area for them. Over time new companies settled, thus production started. Nowadays the Zone includes more than 100 local and foreign companies with annual $900 million turnover and more than 4000 employees.
With its 625.000 square meters area the territorial expansion issue is extremely relevant today.
In 1995 ASBAŞ companies held a meeting. A decision of establishing an association was taken and supported by the participants. ASBIAD gave that companies an opportunity to present their opinions, considerations and recommendations on the improvement of not only Antalya Free Zone but the industry in general. Later on the Union of Free Zone Associations was established.
Today Antalya Free Zone specialises mainly in medical, shipbuilding and electrical and electronics sectors. Besides there are companies involved in such sectors as textile and agriculture. Regarding trade cement and marble export is on the forefront. It is well known that ASBAŞ has high industrial capacity and power for further development. For instance, the use of empty facilities on the territory will increase the number of employees involved in the production. Closeness to city center, low tax rates, private dock, simplified trade procedures are among incentives offered to the companies in the Free Zone. All abovementioned facts make Antalya Free Zone highly attractive for investors.
Another our objective important for the development of the Zone and each company in particular is providing all our employees with education. We achieve this by organising conferences and seminars for them. Thus they have an ability of professional growth and self-development. Cooperation between the companies is another issue we aim at. We believe that progress is based on good relations between all the links of a chain.
Unificating of several companies is a worldwide trend that leads to faster and more cost-effective economic development and significant increase in the overall activity. As an Association we created ground for unification of yachting companies for instance. The key purpose was to establish links between the management and employees as everything starts with communication. We continue working on it.
Success gained by 1990 decreased in 2004 during during Turkey's attempts to join the EU. The overall reputation was damaged for some time because of the mistakes made by several companies. However today Free Zones have efficient inflow of the foreign currency and high production rates, show viable economic activity and provide secure employment. In the last few years a large number of Free Zones were established worldwide. Free Zones have proven that they play a significant role in the country’s economic growth. We suggest that this fact will interest the government and they will pay more attention to this issue. In our turn as ASBIAD we will continue improving and contributing to the development of Turkey.
