Türkiye Unveils $10.3 Billion Investment Plan to Boost Eastern Black Sea Region

Türkiye’s Industry and Technology Minister Mehmet Fatih Kacır announced a major regional investment plan on Friday, revealing that TL 394 billion (approx. $10.36 billion) will be allocated over the next five years to accelerate economic growth and improve living standards in the Eastern Black Sea region.

DOKAP Action Plan: 158 Projects Across 11 Provinces

As part of the Eastern Black Sea Project (DOKAP) Action Plan, a total of 158 projects will be implemented in 11 provinces: Artvin, Amasya, Bayburt, Çorum, Giresun, Gümüşhane, Ordu, Rize, Samsun, Tokat, and Trabzon.

“The DOKAP Action Plan foresees a funding allocation of TL 394 billion for 158 projects over the next five years,” said Minister Kacır during an event in Giresun.

Sectoral Focus: From High-Tech to Agriculture

• Samsun: Targeted for growth in medical, defense, machinery, and automotive supply industries

• Trabzon: Will focus on advancing shipbuilding technologies

• Agriculture: GDP from agriculture expected to increase from TL 130 billion to TL 209 billion

• Pastureland: Rehabilitated land to expand from 2.8 million to 3.5 million decares

Tourism Goals: Bigger Crowds, Longer Stays

With TL 30.3 billion earmarked for tourism, the government aims to:

• Increase the number of annual visitors from 2.8 million to 4.5 million

• Double overnight stays from 4.9 million to 9 million

Part of a Broader Regional Strategy

The DOKAP initiative complements other recent government efforts:

• December 2024: A $14 billion development plan for Türkiye’s southeast aimed at closing the economic gap with the rest of the country

• January 2025: Announcement of a $9.8 billion plan under the Konya Plain Project (KOP) to boost irrigation, agriculture, and animal husbandry across eight central Anatolian provinces

These multi-billion-dollar regional development strategies address persistent disparities in GDP per capita, often exacerbated in eastern and southeastern Türkiye by decades of conflict and underinvestment.