The SelectUSA – U.S. Investment Seminar and B2B Meetings was held at the Kocaeli Chamber of Industry (KCI) in cooperation with the U.S. Consulate General in Istanbul. The event took place with the participation of U.S. Consul General in Istanbul, Mr. Michael Lally.
Participants had the opportunity to hold bilateral business meetings with SelectUSA officials and representatives from seven U.S. states. They also listened to first-hand experiences of Turkish companies that have invested in the United States and benefited from incentive programs. In addition, attendees connected with U.S.-based service providers operating in law, finance, accounting, visas, business development, construction, and site selection.
KCI Shares Kocaeli’s Economic Data
In his opening remarks, KCI President Ayhan Zeytinoğlu shared key data on Kocaeli’s economic performance. He stated that the figures demonstrate the province’s strong and competitive position in trade with the United States.
During President Trump’s first term, a target was set to increase bilateral trade between Türkiye and the United States to $100 billion. Zeytinoğlu noted that Türkiye’s trade and investment model with the European Union could serve as an example for achieving this goal. Türkiye and the EU currently have a bilateral trade volume of $400 billion. Between 2003 and 2024, EU countries accounted for 58 percent of total foreign direct investment in Türkiye. By November 2025, this share had reached 75 percent. He emphasized that these high figures are largely driven by EU investments in Türkiye.
Zeytinoğlu also highlighted that many Turkish companies are already active in the U.S. market through distributors and sales offices. Through TOBB Trade Center and Turkish Trade Center, they support the sale of Turkish products in the United States and have been providing end-to-end logistics solutions since 2016. He underlined that cooperation could also be strengthened through visits to U.S.-invested companies in Kocaeli and KCI subsidiaries.
Kocaeli Is the Industrial Heart of Türkiye
U.S. Consul General Mr. Michael Lally expressed his satisfaction at being in Kocaeli, which he described as “the industrial heart of Türkiye.” He thanked the Kocaeli Chamber of Industry for hosting the SelectUSA Roadshow and for its vital role in advancing U.S.–Türkiye commercial relations through its world-class production infrastructure.
Ambassador Tom Barrack sent his greetings to KCI members and emphasized their important role in driving bilateral trade. Lally stated that the United States and Türkiye share a deep and lasting economic relationship. Bilateral trade in goods and services has exceeded $40 billion annually. American companies, many of which operate in Kocaeli’s organized industrial zones, remain among the largest and most stable foreign investors in Türkiye.
SelectUSA Plays a Critical Role
Companies in Kocaeli, particularly in the automotive, chemicals, and metals sectors, are becoming increasingly competitive at the global level. Many are now turning to the United States to expand their production capacity and establish strategic partnerships.
Both countries’ leaders have set an ambitious target of reaching $100 billion in bilateral trade. Lally stated that achieving this goal will require high value-added investments, supply chain integration, and transparent, market-oriented policies. He emphasized that SelectUSA plays a critical role in this process.
As the U.S. government’s premier investment promotion platform, SelectUSA reflects a clear priority: the United States is the leading destination for foreign direct investment. The U.S. offers unique advantages for industrial growth, including scalability, innovation, legal security, access to capital, energy security, and a highly productive workforce. Investments from Türkiye, especially from manufacturing leaders in Kocaeli, further strengthen the strategic economic partnership between the two countries.
Panels and Investment Opportunities
Following the opening speeches and SelectUSA presentations, officials provided information on the general incentive system in the United States, categorized by scale, sector, and type of investment.
A panel moderated by KCI President Ayhan Zeytinoğlu featured prominent business leaders who discussed investment opportunities in the U.S. from the perspective of Turkish investors. Speakers included Hayrettin Çaycı, Chairman of the Board of Sarkuysan; Yıldırım Akagündüz, Investment Projects and Business Development Manager at Yıldız Holding; Ömer Hantal, CIO of Fark Labs; and Jade Y. Sencebe, COO of Ado Industries/CS Global Group.
Another panel, moderated by KCI Assembly Chairman Hasan Tahsin Tuğrul, brought together U.S.-based service providers. Speakers included Zeynep Sönmez İhtiyar (Founder and CEO, Ada Business Strategies), Sevil Özışık (Founder, Özışık PLLC), Hakkı Şenel (General Manager, Vakıfbank USA New York Branch), Gülçin Gürüle (Partner and California Office Leader, Manay CPA), Tolga Tanış (Manager, Docra LLC), Nicholette Ross (Management Consultant, Global Location Strategies), and Münüf Korkmaz (International Project Development Director, Evans General Contractors).
Seven U.S. States Participate
The program concluded with presentations by economic development organizations from the states of Iowa, Mississippi, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Virginia, and West Virginia. Senior officials from these states provided detailed information on investment opportunities and incentives.
The event ended with bilateral business meetings, offering Kocaeli-based companies concrete opportunities to explore expansion into the U.S. market.
