AN ASSESSMENT OF THE EFFECTIVENESS OF FREE ZONES AS A WORKSPACE: EXAMPLE OF ANTALYA FREE ZONE

Since they bring exceptions or exemptions in foreign trade and customs legislations of countries, free zone practices have emerged to develop and facilitate their trade with each other. While free zone-like practices around the world have a history of nearly 300 years, Turkey's free zone adventure has a history of nearly 30 years in real terms. The reasons for the establishment of free trade zones in the world vary according to the development levels and socio-economic structures of the countries. Developed countries have headed towards to these zones to develop their trade rather than developing their industries, production and employment. On the other hand, developing countries have approached free zone practices to increase their export, production, and employment. For Turkey, which is a developing country, the main purpose for the establishment of free trade zones has been set as to increase export, production, and employment. It is an object of interest to what extent the free trade zones operating since the early 1980s in Turkey have achieved this purpose. There is no study conducted on the effect of free trade zones on employment among all of the studies related to free trade zones in Turkey. Some studies conducted on free trade zones have briefly mentioned the employment issue and it has been stated that the effect of free trade zones on employment is positive in any case. This study examined, specific to the sample of Antalya Free Trade Zone, the effect of free trade zones on employment through in-depth interviews with the managers of the companies operating in the region. The problems identified as a result of the study were determined and suggestions that may enable free trade zones to increase employment were presented