Economical, political, strategical and social changes have many implications on the importance of various economic sectors. Our academic / professional teams (in collaboration with business circles and governmental agencies) have conducted an extensive study of these changes and potentials in our region .

For sustainable economic growth and social development, Turkey’s priorities are aimed at increasing competitiveness and employment, strengthening human development and ensuring regional development. A growing population with an increasing per capita income provides various investment opportunities for both domestic and foreign firms. In the past few years, record foreign capital inflows and healthy export performances have encouraged the private sector to have a greater role in the national economy. The sound macroeconomic performance is essential in maintaining the recent economic progress.

With regard to public investments, Turkey attaches priority to the investments on education, health care, technological research, transportation, management of water resources (for irrigation and drinking) and implementation of e-Government.  For infrastructural development in transportation, telecommunications and energy, Turkey’s is looking for greater private sector investments through the use of public-private partnerships (PPPs) financing model. New legislation for promoting renewable energy also encourages private investment.

Turkey's proximity to major markets such as the ECO region, the Middle East and North Africa means that around 1.34 billion consumers could be easily reached. This provides unique advantages like that of its logistics industry, which has developed significantly since its entry into the EU Customs Union. Turkey is becoming one of the most attractive countries in the world for international investors. For example, in 2007, Turkey was ranked 13th most attractive country in the world; it had received US$ 22 billion of FDI.

SAHARA aims to play the following roles in each sector identified:

• Expose the opportunities in the sector to potential investors and bring in potential investors
• Provide suitable platform for national and international interaction and networking
• Match-make senior level captains of industries from different countries to establish new networks
• Enhance the capacity of the region in these sectors for the conduction of international business

Based on our studies (including global economic indicators as well as regional analysis) we have identified the following sectors as being very strategical: