Apple, Intel and Microsoft Are Interested in Turkish Government Project

Apple, Intel and Microsoft are examining a new Turkish government project, which is aimed to find a company that could build and supply up to 15 million tablets for Turkish school children in the next four years.

In his interview to Anatolia news agency Trade Minister Zafer Caglayan told that the three companies are actively bidding on this government-funded project, which is called Fatih (means 'conqueror' in Turkish) according to Bloomberg.

Caglayan said that he had negotiated with Apple officials when he was visiting the U.S. and added that Apple may consider making earphones, covers and other iPhone and iPad peripherals in Turkey as a part of the deal.

Microsoft is reportedly going to visit Turkey to learn more about Fatih, while Intel may even open a development and research center in this country.

On July 13 Turkish Industry Minister Nihat Ergun said that the winning company is expected to build 15 million tablet devices in Turkey.

As you may know, Apple outsources its device production to Asian-based corporations like Foxconn and Pegantron. Foxconn is responsible for iPad 2 tablets while Pegatron is expected to start iPad manufacturing next month in Brazil.