60 kilometers west of Adana, the Port of Mersin provides the GAP region access to Mediterranean shipping. With 27 piers, 8 with combined rail systems, and 9 meter draft, the port can accommodate all but the largest freighters. Port traffic has grown steadily at an average of 10% per year for the past three years, but the port has not operated near capacity since 1991 when United Nations Security Council sanctions were imposed on Iraq. A perennial privatization prospect, the port recently underwent an $85 million upgrade. Adjacent to Mersin Port, the 785,000 square meter Mersin Free Zone allows customs-free storage for goods to be imported into Turkey or re-shipped to other Mediterranean destinations. One of only four Free Zones in Turkey, the Mersin Free Zone is host to more than 250 firms, including a dozen textile production plants. Also nearby, the privately-held Toros-Gubre Port specializes in bulk shipments of agricultural products and coal.
Capitalizing on a favorable climate, access to the Mediterranean Sea and the nearby Taurus Mountains, Mersin is also a growing tourist destination in Turkey and actively seeks new investment in its tourismector. The highly-respected Tarsus American School (TAS), founded by American Missionaries in 1888, represents 110 years of continuous American presence in the region. Still providing sought-after education primarily in English, TAS has educated generations of English-speaking managers and entrepreneurs.
Growing sectors: Shipping, Tourism, Agribusiness |
| Mersin Free Zone is situated very close to Mersin Port which is one of the most important ports of East Mediterranian
Taking the advantages of its important geographical position Mersin Free Zone becomes an important trade center among middle east countries,Turkish Republics, Eastern&Western European countries ,Federation of Russia and North Africa. |
Free Zone users are provided to take advantage of sea,air,land transport and rail-roads.
Sea Transport: It is possible to make use of Mersin Port which has almost 13 million tones of capacity and 40 regular ship-lines,besides free zone quays which enable trade with overseas countries.
Land Transport: Mersin Free Zone is very close to the end of international E-5 highway.Companies send easily their goods from Mersin to the East and West of Europe,Middle East Countries,Turkish Republics and Russia by land-trnsport.
Rail-Road: It is possible for companies to send goods from Mersin to East and West of Europe,Midlle East Countries by using rail-road Enterprice of Turkish Republic.
Air-Transport: Companies make use of Adana Sakirpasa Airport which is only 65 km to free zone. |
