Syrian-Turkish talks to establish a free zone in Idlib; Ankara aims to raise trade volume to $10 billion
A delegation from the General Authority for Ports and Customs, led by Qutaiba Badawi, Chairman of the Authority, held extensive talks with Turkish Minister of Trade Ömer Bolat in the capital, Ankara, in the presence of the Chargé d’Affaires at the Syrian Embassy, Fadi Al-Qasem. The discussions focused on the state of economic and trade relations between the two countries and areas of joint cooperation, as part of the Syrian delegation’s visit to Turkey.
The General Authority for Ports and Customs stated via its Telegram channel that the Syrian and Turkish sides discussed ways to develop and elevate economic and trade relations to more advanced levels, in line with available capacities and the shared interests of the Syrian and Turkish peoples.
The meeting addressed mechanisms to increase the volume of bilateral trade, facilitate the movement of goods and trucks through border crossings, develop transit operations, and address challenges faced by traders, importers, and exporters. It also explored cooperation opportunities in transport, logistics, free zones, and dry ports.
Both sides emphasized the importance of continued coordination between relevant institutions in the two countries, working to simplify customs and administrative procedures, and accelerating the flow of trade. These efforts aim to enhance the position of Syria and Turkey within regional trade and transport corridors, contributing to linking Arab markets with Turkish and European markets.
Following the meeting, both delegations attended the Syrian-Turkish Investment Forum, titled “Free Commercial and Industrial Zones in Syria and the Investment Climate,” organized by the Turkish company “Bumako.” The forum was held to introduce the commercial and industrial free zone and dry port project in Idlib Governorate, which was signed last May, and to showcase opportunities for companies and businessmen to participate in implementing, developing, and operating the project.
In his speech at the forum, Badawi stressed that the free zone and dry port project in Idlib represents a strategic and regional project due to its proximity to the Syrian-Turkish border and the Bab al-Hawa crossing, as well as its location at the intersection of international routes M4 and M5. This positioning qualifies it to serve as a hub for industry, trade, storage, logistics, and re-export.
In this context, Ahmed Al-Damnan, Director General of the General Authority for Free Zones, presented a detailed overview of the Idlib free zone project. His presentation covered the project’s location, key components, implementation phases, planned industrial, commercial, and logistical activities, as well as the benefits and incentives offered to investors and opportunities for companies to participate in the project.
Meanwhile, the Turkish Minister of Trade revealed that bilateral trade between Turkey and Syria reached $3.75 billion last year, recording historic growth exceeding 40%, with aspirations to raise this figure to $10 billion.
Bolat stated that “Turkey and Syria continue working to achieve the goal of raising their bilateral foreign trade volume to $10 billion.”
The Turkish minister also emphasized that both countries intend to “increase production and investments, alongside enhancing, expanding, and updating land customs crossings and sea transport routes,” thereby contributing to the development of trade between the two nations.
