Türkiye’s Industry and Technology Minister Mehmet Fatih Kacır unveiled an ambitious plan to allocate ₺496 billion ($14.11 billion) to the Southeastern Anatolian Project (GAP) by 2028.

This monumental investment aims to generate over 570,000 jobs, transform the region’s economy, and elevate its significance in the nation’s development trajectory.

Speaking at the “GAP Action Plan Information and Consultation Meeting” in Sanliurfa, Minister Kacır emphasized the transformative nature of the initiative. He highlighted that by 2028, the project would irrigate 475,000 hectares of farmland, significantly boosting agricultural productivity. "Our goal is to achieve a $1,605 increase in value-added income from dry farming, increasing the GAP region’s share in Türkiye’s agricultural gross value added to 19% and the value of crop production to 21.5%," he remarked.

The event, held at the GAP Agricultural Research Institute Directorate, brought together key government figures, including Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz and ministers overseeing labor, energy, finance, agriculture, and trade. Their presence underscored the strategic importance of the project, not only for the region but for Türkiye’s broader aspirations for economic growth and social equity.

The GAP Action Plan is a multi-faceted initiative addressing industrial development, agriculture, and technological innovation. Over the years, 20 organized industrial zones have been established across nine provinces, creating more than 360,000 jobs. Additionally, between 2003 and 2024, ₺1.1 trillion was invested in 15,400 projects, supporting the creation of 710,000 jobs.

In agriculture, GAP has already irrigated 318,000 decares of farmland, with plans to expand this by another 52,500 decares in 2024. These efforts will create an additional 49,000 jobs, solidifying the region’s position as a critical hub for agricultural growth. Complementing this, the initiative has dedicated ₺214 billion to smart agriculture projects that emphasize sustainability and efficiency.

The project also champions innovation and cultural enrichment. Six technoparks, 19 R&D centers, and a design center have been established to foster technological advancements. Furthermore, a ₺19 billion “Tourism-Oriented Economic Growth Program” seeks to preserve cultural heritage while boosting green development.

Looking ahead to 2028, GAP envisions even greater achievements. Expanding irrigated farmland, establishing new cooperatives, and strengthening trade partnerships through projects like the Development Road with Iraq are key priorities. The expected economic impact is profound, with projections of an annual per capita income increase of ₺49,000 in the region.

Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz highlighted the tremendous progress achieved under GAP. Regional exports have surged from $689 million in 2002 to $13.7 billion in 2023, while the region’s share in national exports has grown from 1.9% to 5.3%. Workforce participation has nearly doubled, and significant improvements in healthcare and education have accompanied economic growth. Since 2002, the number of universities in the region has increased from three to 12, and the number of hospitals has risen from 66 to 134.

GAP is Türkiye’s largest and most recognized regional development initiative. Spanning nine provinces in the Euphrates-Tigris Basin and Upper Mesopotamia, it encompasses 10.7% of the nation’s geography and population. Initially conceived in the 1970s as a water and land resource development program, GAP has evolved into an integrated model of regional development. It includes plans for 22 dams, 19 hydraulic power plants, and irrigation systems for 1.8 million hectares, with an energy production capacity of 27 billion kilowatt-hours annually.

The Southeastern Anatolia Project embodies Türkiye’s vision for inclusive and sustainable growth. By improving income levels, quality of life, and employment opportunities, the project aims to bridge regional disparities and contribute to national economic and social stability. As Türkiye continues its journey toward modernization, GAP stands as a testament to the country’s commitment to ensuring prosperity for all its regions. (ILKHA)