Istanbul: US state representatives are courting Turkish investors by emphasizing access to low-cost, uninterrupted energy, seeking to expand cooperation across sectors including energy, chemicals, metals, electronics, aviation, and industrial manufacturing. The outreach took place during the 2026 SelectUSA Roadshow, a US federal government initiative designed to promote foreign direct investment and economic development. Events were held in Istanbul, Kocaeli, and Ankara, bringing together Turkish companies and representatives from several US states.
According to Anadolu Agency, Nathan Lord, president of Shale Crescent USA, said the organization is focused on attracting industrial investment to the shale gas basin covering Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia by highlighting the region's energy advantage. Lord mentioned that energy is one of the largest cost components for heavy industry and that the region offers reliable and affordable power for sectors such as rubber, glass, automotive, steel, and petrochemicals. He emphasized the unmatched profitability and supply security for energy-intensive manufacturing in the Shale Crescent USA region due to the availability of the cheapest natural gas and electricity in the US.
Lord also shared insights from a conversation with an executive from a multinational company investing in the area. The executive expressed the unique advantage of the region, stating it was the first place where he didn't have to choose between being close to energy or customers, as both are available there. Lord concluded that following their meetings in Trkiye, they anticipate investments from dozens of Turkish companies in their region.
Greg Kozera, marketing director of Shale Crescent USA, highlighted the increased attractiveness of the region for foreign investment due to the discovery of shale gas in Ohio, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania. He noted that abundant, low-cost energy has spurred a manufacturing revival, particularly in steel and petrochemicals. Kozera praised Trkiye's ability to complete large-scale infrastructure projects quickly, contrasting it with the slower pace in the US. He advised Turkish companies to prioritize proximity to energy sources for higher long-term profitability.
Kozera also shared his observations on the business environments in Trkiye and Europe. He noted that while European investors are often blocked by governmental hurdles, Turkish investors are encouraged by their government. He observed rising industrial zones along the Istanbul-Ankara corridor, in contrast to facility closures in Europe. Kozera concluded that Trkiye has a significant opportunity to assume a leadership role in Europe, given the current struggles in the European market.