Local economic development in the process of globalization: The case of Gaziantep

The discussions have been continued until today which were on suggested politics in order to strengthen of cities on international competition and obtain local economic development. In international conjuncture, it has seen a transition process from macroeconomic development strategy to micro-based local economic development strategy. With the process of globalization, competition conditions continuously are in change. So it seems to be quite obvious to adapt to the changing economic climate for sustainable development. In this context, in order to local economic development takes place as expected, local actors have to be done on taking the initiative of policy-formulation for sustainable development in terms of cultural and social spheres. Gaziantep has provided a sustainable economic development by mobilizing the local dynamics in the process of globalization. Gaziantep economy, innovative and export-oriented industry with qualified value-added product development and production capacity which is based on the technology, has shown growth twice in the last 20 years. This situation relatively makes Gaziantep different from other cities. Gaziantep provides economic integration in the development process of the country between East and West. However, Gaziantep's the most important foreign trade partners in the Middle East that have experienced domestic uprisings and chaotic developments could threat Gaziantep's economy and drag it into disadvantage position. In order to minimizes impact of uprisings and crisis in neighboring countries and also keeps the success of local development in the coming years, Gaziantep must work on finding new and reliable markets. Keywords: Globalization, Globalization Process, Local Economic Development, Gaziantep,