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 West Black Sea Region. The project continues the ZBK Regional Development Project initiated in 1997 by the State Planning Organization. With the establishment of the Western Black Sea Development Agency (BAKKA) in 2010, regional development policies were made more systematic. The 2024-2028 TR81 Region Plan aims to accelerate the region’s economic transformation and promote development across diverse sectors ranging from industry to tourism.

This region, dominated by Industry and mining, requires new development strategies due to changing economic dynamics within time. The decline of lignite mining and the decline of industry have made it necessary to implement new employment and economic diversification policies. This project, prepared under the coordination of the Western Black Sea Development Agency (BAKKA) and in line with the Ministry of Industry and Technology’s 2024-2028 TR81 Regional Plan, represents the most recent phase of regional development initiatives implemented since 1997.

Display of provinces within the project scope

Historical Process and Economic Structure

The foundations of the ZBK Development Project lie in the Zonguldak Region 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, with the support of BAKKA, regional development policies have been strengthened, and the 2024-2028 TR81 Regional Plan has planned new investments in industry, tourism, agriculture and logistics sectors.

Western Black Sea Region spatial development plan (Photo: Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Industry and Technology TR81 Regional Plan)

Economic Structure and Industrial Transformation

Zonguldak is known as Türkiye’s most significant region in terms of lignite reserves. However, the economic sustainability 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 achieve economic diversification. In this context, various financial support mechanisms have been implemented, including tax incentives for industrial enterprises, low-interest credit support 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 make industry more competitive. The iron and steel industry evident 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, Organized Industrial Zones (OSB) in the region are being expanded to increase innovative and technology-focused 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 targeted to reach an annual capacity of 25 million tons. Additionally, the port’s projected annual economic contribution to the region is estimated at 1.5 billion TL. 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 and contribute to the growth of the logistics and transportation sector. Furthermore, the establishment of Technology Development Zones (TDZ) and R&D centers aims to strengthen collaboration between universities and industry to promote high-value-added production.

Industrial and production ecosystem within the project scope (Photo: Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Industry and Technology TR81 Regional Plan)

Agriculture, Tourism and Alternative Economic Activities

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

Tourism is emerging as 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. The annual contribution of tourism to the regional economy is estimated at 500 million TL, and plans are underway to increase this value by investing in cultural heritage, nature tourism and coastal tourism. Safranbolu, recognized as a UNESCO World World Heritage Site, is preserved as a cultural heritage area with strong potential to boost tourism revenues. 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 Sphere Mountains National Park and Yenice Forests are being developed to support investments in nature sports and ecotourism activities.

Tourism focal points within the project scope (Photo: Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Industry and Technology TR81 Regional Plan)

Environmental Protection and Sustainable Development

The Zonguldak-Bartın-Karabük Development Project has been developed in accordance with the principle of environmental sustainability, with the conservation and management of water resources among its 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 investment programs, sun and wind energy projects are supported to contribute to energy independence. Additionally, forested areas in the region are preserved to ensure the sustainability of ecosystem services.

Infrastructure Investments and Transportation Projects

Improving the region’s transportation and logistics infrastructure is one of the most important factors supporting economic growth. With the completion of 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 crucial role in strengthening industry and trade while also supporting tourism and rural development. As part of the 2024-2028 plans, new road and rail connections are being planned to improve intra-regional transportation efficiency. In particular, the completion of Filyos Port will transform the Zonguldak-Bartın-Karabük region into a hub of international trade. In addition, increasing the capacity of row, modernizing railway lines and establishing new road connections along coastal areas aim to make the transportation infrastructure more efficient.

Transportation networks within the project scope (Photo: Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Industry and Technology TR81 Regional Plan)