Dünya – Poised to become a global logistics center within the next 10 years, Turkey is increasingly picked by global logistics companies that seek the ideal location to manage their operations in Europe, Middle East, Central Asia and North Africa.

The country is expected to be among the fastest growing markets, according to Jones Lang LaSalle’s (JLL) European Logistics and Industrial Sentiment Survey. “A large number of global companies plan to set up their regional hubs in Istanbul in parallel with Turkey’s 2023 targets”, according to Avi Alkas, the head of JLL Turkey commenting on the report.

The growth rate of the vital sector is forecast to hit 48 percent in the next 5 years, the survey predicts, with the industrial bases in Turkey’s most industrialized cities of Istanbul and Kocaeli being most on demand by foreign investors.

Among notable entrants into the Turkish logistics market in recent years are the Japanese companies, namely Yusen Logistics which established its Turkish division in 2012, and Hitachi Transport Systems which acquired majority stakes in Turkish Mars Lojistik last year. Deutsche Post DHL, long active in Turkey, recently announced plans to invest EUR 100 million in the country until 2020.

The country has set goals to meet by its centennial in 2023, including reaching an export volume of USD 500 billion, a GDP of 2 trillion, and becoming a global logistics hub.