Mersin industrial growth must prioritize local employment and agricultural value

President Ağaoğlu has emphasized the importance of aligning Mersin’s industrial growth with local employment and agricultural value-added production. Highlighting the ongoing pre-allocation process at TÜİOSB, Ağaoğlu stated that new investments must do more than just establish factories; they must generate significant production, increase exports, and provide qualified job opportunities for the local population.

A key focus is the transformation of Mersin’s agricultural wealth—including citrus, fresh vegetables, and fruits—from raw materials into high-value processed, packaged, and branded products. By integrating agricultural production with industrial chains, the region aims to strengthen its economy and expand market reach.

Furthermore, Ağaoğlu called for cooperation between educational institutions and the industrial sector to ensure Mersin’s youth are prepared for new roles. The goal is to prevent local talent from seeking employment in other cities by aligning vocational training and university curricula with the specific needs of incoming industrial facilities.