Sportswear giant Nike to set up factory in Turkey

By Can Erozden

ANKARA (AA) - Sportswear giant Nike will set up a factory in the eastern Turkish province of Agri, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Monday.

In a campaign rally in the province ahead of the March 31 local elections, Erdogan said the factory will provide employment to people.

"We will make Agri the most important textile production center. I have a message to all of our textile suppliers. An international firm, Nike is coming to Agri to establish a factory and provide employment to 5,000 people," Erdogan said.

Taking its name from an ancient Greek goddess of victory, Nike is sponsoring many football teams including national teams of Brazil, England and France as well as Spanish club Barcelona.

Nike is also the official apparel supplier for NBA -- the American top-tier basketball league -- since July 2017.

It currently sponsors Turkey's national football team, Istanbul-based football club Galatasaray and basketball heavyweights Fenerbahce Beko.