Thanks to the professors Deveci and Oral I was able to have a meeting at the Port of Izmir.

The long awaited port visit was finally arranged for me on October the 12th by professor Deveci and professor Oral. Although I was only told on an one hour’s notice, I was able to make it just on time. After some internal debate in which building I should go, I just went to the biggest building, which turned out to be the correct one.

My meeting was with Mr. Mennan Ersöz, who turned out to be the best English speaking Turk who I have ever talked to. Mr. Ersöz is a port expert within the Port of Izmir, who focuses on all the investments being made within the port and the Gulf of Izmir.

I spoke with him for about an hour, but this hour turned out to be the most valuable hour of my stay in Izmir thus far. He showed all the planned investments for the Port of Izmir until 2015. Due to competition I can not tell all the investments, but these investments gave my a solid base on which, I’m now able to do an analysis on.

Furthermore, Mr. Ersöz provided me with several researches on the hinterland of the Port of Izmir(academical), as well as research on current and projected statistics and figures for the Port of Izmir. As stated above, the research on the hinterland, which is exactly what I need, is very academical. My research will use it as a foundation to translate this academical research, which means based on assumptions, into a macro-economical / practical research with valuable information for Turkish companies, Dutch Companies, as well as the Port of Izmir and the related universities.

Regards,
Tim