Zonguldak Bartın Karabük Development Project

Zonguldak-Bartın-Karabük (ZBK) Development Project is a regional development initiative designed to support economic, social and environmental development in Türkiye’s Western Black Sea Region. The project continues the ZBK Regional Development Project launched in 1997 by the State Planning Organization. With the establishment of the Western Black Sea Development Agency (BAKKA) in 2010 regional development policies have been systematized. The 2024-2028 TR81 Regional Plan aims to accelerate the region’s economic transformation and foster growth across diverse sectors ranging from industry to tourism.

Industry and mining have long dominated this region but changing economic dynamics have created a need for new development strategies. The decline of bituminous coal mining and the ongoing industrial transformation have made it imperative to implement new employment and economic diversification policies. This project has been prepared under the coordination of the Western Black Sea Development Agency (BAKKA) in line with the Ministry of Industry and Technology’s 2024-2028 TR81 Regional Plan and represents the most recent phase of regional development initiatives implemented since 1997.

^{Proje kapsamındaki illerin gösterimi} 

The foundations of the ZBK Development Project trace back to the Zonguldak Regional Preliminary Plan prepared in 1964. The ZBK Regional Development Project launched in 1997 highlighted the need for economic diversification due to the shrinking coal mining sector. Since 2010 regional development policies have been strengthened with BAKKA’s support and the 2024-2028 TR81 Regional Plan has planned new investments in industry tourism agriculture and logistics.

^{Batı Karadeniz Bölgesi mekansal gelişim planı (}Photo: Ministry of Industry and Technology of the Republic of Türkiye TR81 Regional Plan⁾

Zonguldak is known as Türkiye’s most important region for bituminous coal reserves. However the economic viability of coal mining has declined over time forcing a large portion of the workforce in this sector to seek employment in other fields. During this transition the development of non-mining industrial sectors has been supported to promote economic diversification. To this end various financial support mechanisms have been implemented including tax incentives low-interest credit assistance and investment incentive certificates. In addition the expansion of organized industrial zones improvement of logistics infrastructure and incentive programs targeting R&D investments aim to enhance the competitiveness of industry. The iron and steel industry active in Karabük and Ereğli is one of the region’s most important industrial sectors and incentive mechanisms have been developed to modernize this sector and adapt it to green production processes. Furthermore the Organized Industrial Zones (OIZ) in the region are being expanded to encourage innovative and technology-driven investments.

The Filyos Port Project is one of the most important initiatives strengthening the region’s industrial and logistics infrastructure. Planning for the port was completed in 1994 and construction began in 2016. The port aims to increase the region’s foreign trade volume. Upon completion it is expected to achieve an annual cargo capacity of 25 million tons. The port is projected to contribute approximately 1.5 billion TL annually to the regional economy. These developments will enhance the region’s international trade volume boost export potential and create new employment opportunities in the logistics sector. Through this project the ZBK Region will be integrated into international trade networks contributing to the growth of logistics and transportation. In addition the establishment of Technology Development Zones (TDZs) and R&D centers aims to strengthen collaboration between universities and industry to promote high-value production.

^{Proje kapsamında sanayi ve üretim ekosistemi (}Photo: Ministry of Industry and Technology of the Republic of Türkiye TR81 Regional Plan⁾

The ZBK Region also possesses significant potential in agriculture and tourism beyond industry. Agricultural activities are being supported through sustainable farming techniques to increase production and promote rural development. Organized agricultural zones are being established and technological innovations are being introduced to enhance agricultural productivity. In particular alternative farming practices are being widely promoted in the rural areas of Bartın and Karabük.

Tourism is a key sector supporting economic development in the ZBK Development Project. The region welcomed approximately 1.5 million visitors in 2022 and this number is expected to increase by 20 percent over the next five years through sustainable tourism policies. Tourism is estimated to contribute 500 million TL annually to the regional economy and efforts are planned to increase this value by expanding investments in cultural heritage nature-based tourism and coastal tourism. Safranbolu a cultural heritage site inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List is being preserved to enhance its tourism revenue potential. Similarly sustainable tourism policies are being implemented in coastal destinations such as Amasra to increase tourist interest. In terms of nature tourism ecological areas such as Küre Mountains National Park and Yenice Forests are being developed to support investments in outdoor sports and ecotourism activities.

^{Proje kapsamında turizm odakları (}Photo: Ministry of Industry and Technology of the Republic of Türkiye TR81 Regional Plan⁾

The Zonguldak-Bartın-Karabük Development Project has been designed in line with the principle of environmental sustainability. Protection and management of water resources are among the top priorities. An integrated management model is applied in the Filyos and Bartın basins to reduce flood risks and prevent water pollution. The use of environmentally friendly technologies in industrial production processes is encouraged to reduce carbon emissions. Under renewable energy investments solar and wind energy projects are supported to contribute to energy independence. Furthermore forested areas in the region are preserved to ensure the sustainability of ecosystem services.

Improving the region’s transportation and logistics infrastructure is one of the most important factors supporting economic growth. With the completion of the Filyos Port the region is expected to become more competitive in international trade. Additionally improvements to rail and road networks are increasing the logistics capacity of industrial facilities and expanding trade volume. Modernization of natural gas and electricity infrastructure is enhancing the efficiency of industrial production processes. Transportation projects in the region play a strategic role in strengthening industry and trade while also supporting tourism and rural development. Under the 2024-2028 plans new road and rail connections are being planned to improve intra-regional mobility. In particular the completion of the Filyos Port will transform the Zonguldak-Bartın-Karabük region into a hub of international trade. In addition the capacity of Zonguldak Airport will be expanded railway lines will be modernized and new road connections will be established along the coast to enhance the efficiency of the transportation infrastructure.

^{Proje kapsamında ulaşım ağları (}Photo: Ministry of Industry and Technology of the Republic of Türkiye TR81 Regional Plan⁾