Turkey is actively seeking foreign partners for its infrastructure megaprojects, which President Recep Tayyip Erdogan considers symbols of the nation’s progress during his 22-year leadership. The head of the state Investment Office, Ahmet Burak Daglioglu, stated in an interview with Bloomberg that potential deals could be reached for projects developed through public-private partnerships, encompassing sectors such as highways and healthcare.
Daglioglu revealed that discussions are currently in progress regarding the sale of a “city hospital,” one of the 22 constructed to consolidate various facilities under a single roof, to an investor from the Arab Gulf region. He hinted at the possibility of additional deals with other investors but refrained from providing specific details.
Turkey, under Erdogan’s leadership, has embraced public-private partnerships to modernize its aging infrastructure. The president often emphasizes individual projects during his campaigns. In this model, the government offers loan and revenue guarantees, while private entities handle construction and operations.
In July of the previous year, the United Arab Emirates pledged to invest in various Turkish sectors, including healthcare, as part of a comprehensive package exceeding $50 billion, spanning energy to defense. However, substantial agreements have yet to materialize.
Ahmet Burak Daglioglu expressed his expectation that foreign direct investment in Turkey will range from $13 billion to $15 billion in 2024, potentially involving at least one automotive manufacturer. Notably, during a meeting in September, President Erdogan encouraged Tesla Inc. CEO Elon Musk to explore the possibility of establishing a factory in Turkey. Additionally, reports have surfaced indicating that China’s Chery Automobile is contemplating the potential opening of a factory in Turkey, as revealed by the Hurriyet daily in April.