“Revitalizing the Eastern Horizon: Turkey’s Ambitious $14 Billion Boost for Southeastern Kurdistan”
Turkey Announces $14 Billion Regional Development Plan to Narrow Economic Gap
Turkey has unveiled a massive $14 billion regional development plan aimed at bridging the economic gap between its predominantly Kurdish southeastern region and the rest of the country. The announcement was made by the country’s industry minister, Fatih Kasağ, in the southeastern city of Sanliurfa, where the regional government will invest a total of 496.2 billion lira ($14.15 billion) in 198 projects by 2028.
The development plan aims to boost economic growth in the region, which has long been lagging behind the rest of the country in terms of gross domestic product (GDP) per capita. The region’s per capita income is $4,971, compared to the national average of $13,243. According to the minister, the implementation of the projects is expected to increase the annual per capita income in the region by an additional $1,400.
The economic disparity between the eastern and southeastern provinces and the rest of the country is partly due to the decades-long insurgency by the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK). The conflict has caused significant damage to the region’s infrastructure and economy, leading to a brain drain and limited investment opportunities.
However, there are signs of hope for an end to the conflict, particularly after a recent visit by two Turkish lawmakers to the jailed leader of the PKK, Abdullah Ocalan. The visit, which was the first in nearly a decade, saw Ocalan expressing his willingness to call on the group’s militants to lay down their arms and bring an end to the insurgency.
The visit comes after a close ally of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan called on Ocalan to end the conflict, which has claimed the lives of over 40,000 people. The conflict has shifted from the southeastern region of Turkey to northern Iraq in recent years.
Turkish Vice President Fuat Oktay emphasized the significance of the development projects, stating that a “terror-free Turkey” would bring huge benefits to the region. He also highlighted the opportunities presented by recent developments in Syria, where Turkish-backed Islamist rebels have taken power, and the benefits they will bring to the entire country, including the southeastern region.
Turkey and Western countries label the PKK as a terrorist organization, and the conflict has led to a significant economic burden on the region. The development plan is seen as a crucial step towards addressing the economic disparities and promoting stability in the region.
FAQs
Q: What is the total amount invested in the Turkish regional development plan?
A: The total amount invested in the regional development plan is 496.2 billion lira ($14.15 billion).
Q: What is the expected increase in annual per capita income in the region?
A: The annual per capita income in the region is expected to increase by an additional $1,400.
Q: Why has the conflict between the Turkish state and the PKK had such a significant impact on the region’s economy?
A: The conflict has led to significant damage to the region’s infrastructure and economy, resulting in a brain drain and limited investment opportunities.
Q: What is the significance of the visit by Turkish lawmakers to Abdullah Ocalan?
A: The visit is seen as a positive development towards ending the conflict between the Turkish state and the PKK, with Ocalan expressing his willingness to call on the group’s militants to lay down their arms.
Q: What are the implications of the recent developments in Syria for the region?
A: The new developments in Syria are expected to bring opportunities for the entire country, including the southeastern region, and increase its well-being.
Conclusion
The Turkish government’s $14 billion regional development plan is a crucial step towards bridging the economic gap between the country’s southeastern region and the rest of Turkey. The plan, which includes 198 projects to be implemented by 2028, aims to boost economic growth and reduce poverty in the region. The conflict between the Turkish state and the PKK has caused significant damage to the region’s economy and infrastructure, but recent developments, including the visit by Turkish lawmakers to Abdullah Ocalan, have raised hopes for an end to the conflict. The region is expected to benefit from the new developments in Syria, which will increase the well-being of the entire country, including the southeastern region.
