Abstract:

Literature implies that in developing countries, the level and nature of public investments should be adjusted to stimulate private investments for economic growth. This study aims to assess the outcome of Turkey’s recent privatization process by analyzing the industry concentration and competition in the specific context of container ports. For this purpose, the concentration dynamics of Turkish container ports are examined by applying statistical measures of market concentration and competition throughout the port privatization period. The statistical findings of this study suggest that the recent port privatizations have been successful in stimulating private investments and competition. However, for the post-privatization performance, macro-economic and institutional factors are influential. Therefore, the continuous improvements in the port policy and regulatory framework are required for using the competitive advantage of the newcomers to the sector as a future advantage for Turkey’s global competitiveness.

Keywords: