Industry

Turkey pursued an import-substitution industrialization strategy which was adopted during the Great Depression. Seeking to avoid dependence on the West, a development model based on self-reliance seemed attractive. Over time, however, this meant the industries were historically shielded from competition and enjoyed a protected domestic market. In 1980, when Ozal promoted his economic reform package, imports were permitted without payment of duties on a number of products that were subsequently expanded. Today, Turkish-manufactured vehicles and vehicle parts are competitive in world markets. Vehicles are currently exported to Europe and the Middle East. In 2009, Ford expects to introduce a light van, manufactured at its Kocaeli plant near Istanbul, to the North American market.