Statement from Nazilli OSB Chairman Regarding the 2nd OSB: Obstruction Claims are Unfounded

The debates regarding the planned second Organized Industrial Zone (OSB) to be established in Aydın's Nazilli district have gained a new dimension. The claims frequently brought to the public agenda alleging that Aydın Chamber of Industry (AYSO) Chairman Gökhan Maraş obstructed the process were firmly denied by Nazilli OSB Chairman Nuri Önel. In his comprehensive statement, Chairman Önel emphasized that no industrialist would oppose a new investment. He stated that the issue is not a personal or institutional obstruction, but rather a purely official and regulatory situation. This statement is expected to help end the speculation that has been circulating in the region for months.

Chairman Önel also shared important details regarding the background of the process. He stated that the area in question was inspected by the Ministry of Industry and was deemed unsuitable for establishing an OSB due to its status as a protected site (SİT) area. Önel confirmed that the claims are unfounded, noting that he personally witnessed this decision and was present at the ministry during the process. He also reminded that AK Party Aydın Deputy Mustafa Savaş and one of Aydın's former deputies, Bekir Kuvyet Erim, confirmed the same situation in their official statements. In light of all this information, it was clearly demonstrated that there was no personal obstruction effort in the ministry's decision to reject. It was emphasized that the protected site restriction, imposed to protect the archaeological and cultural heritage of the region, was the main determinant of this process.

Stating that Turkey's development would not be possible without production, Önel expressed that industrialists always stand on the side of production and investment. While emphasizing that Nazilli needs new OSBs and large investment areas, he also touched upon a remarkable detail in the current process. He noted that besides the area being deemed unsuitable, the ministry might have also made an assessment concluding that a second organized industrial zone is not necessary for Nazilli. He added to his words that if such a decision was made, it indicates that the preparations, presentations, and lobbying efforts for the second OSB were not strong enough. This situation revealed that local administrators and chambers of industry need to prepare more comprehensive and convincing files for future projects.

On the other hand, he used highly positive expressions regarding AYSO Chairman Gökhan Maraş, who has been at the center of the debates. He stated that Maraş made a great effort in the process of solving various problems encountered in the expansion area of the current Nazilli OSB. He expressed that during this process, Maraş provided all kinds of material and moral support to Nazilli OSB, both with the ASTİM staff and as the AYSO management. Önel thanked Maraş for his contributions to the regional industry, showing that there is no hostility or obstruction attempt between them. He conveyed the message that the solidarity between the two institutions is an indispensable element for the economic development of the region.

In conclusion, Nuri Önel emphasized that the common goal of the industrial community in the region is to increase investment and production, stating that all industrialists are open to cooperation in this regard. He stated that rhetoric such as obstruction does not reflect the truth and that the industrial community is ready to 'put their hands under the stone' for any investment idea. He added that the effective operation of the current OSB and the creation of new investment areas are of great importance for the economic future of Nazilli. Following these statements, investors and the public in the region found the opportunity to make a realistic assessment regarding the future of the second OSB project. It is expected that the industrial circles in the region will shape their next steps based on a strategic planning compliant with the regulations.