Türkiye is set to invest a remarkable TL 394 billion (around $10.36 billion) over the next five years in the Eastern Black Sea region, with the goal of stimulating economic growth and improving quality of life for its residents. The ambitious investment plan was unveiled by Industry and Technology Minister Mehmet Fatih Kacır and is part of the Eastern Black Sea Project (DOKAP) Action Plan.
This initiative includes a total of 158 projects, aimed at transforming the economies and infrastructure across 11 provinces, such as Giresun, Artvin, Bayburt, Gümüşhane, Ordu, Rize, Samsun, Trabzon, Tokat, Amasya, and Çorum. With a population of approximately 6 million, these regions are set to benefit from targeted investments designed to improve living standards and drive long-term growth.
At an event in Giresun province, Kacır highlighted that the DOKAP Action Plan will allocate significant funding over the next five years to support these projects. Key industries in Samsun will focus on the medical, defense, machinery, and automotive supply sectors, while Trabzon will prioritize advancements in shipbuilding technology.
In addition to industrial development, the plan places a strong emphasis on agriculture. The agricultural sector’s GDP is expected to rise from TL 130 billion to TL 209 billion, with rehabilitated pastureland expanding from 2.8 million to 3.5 million decares. Tourism is also a major focus, with an investment of TL 30.3 billion aimed at boosting annual visitors from 2.8 million to 4.5 million and increasing overnight stays from 4.9 million to 9 million.
This expansive regional development initiative builds on previous government efforts, including a December announcement of a $14 billion plan to reduce economic disparities between Türkiye’s southeastern regions and other areas. It also follows the Konya Plain Project (KOP), which was introduced in January and includes $9.8 billion in investments to improve irrigation, agriculture, and animal husbandry in central Anatolia.