A delegation from Turkiye’s Ministry of Trade, led by Deputy Minister Mustafa Tuzcu and composed of technical experts, held meetings with Syrian officials in Damascus on January 23. The delegation met with Syria’s Minister of Trade and Consumer Protection Mahir Khalil al-Hasan, Head of the Land and Sea Borders Authority Kuteyba Bedewi, and Deputy Foreign Minister Ahmed Duhan.
According to a statement from the Ministry of Trade, the discussions focused on the current state of relations between Turkiye and Syria, steps to enhance economic and trade ties, and customs-related matters. A roadmap consisting of five main pillars was established during the talks.
Key outcomes of the meetings include:
- Customs Duties Revision: Starting January 11, 2025, Syria will reassess customs duties applied equally to all countries and all border crossings for certain products.
- Resumption of Free Trade Agreement Negotiations: It was agreed to begin negotiations to reinstate the Turkey-Syria Free Trade Agreement, suspended in 2011, under a broader economic partnership framework.
- Economic Cooperation in Key Sectors: Both sides agreed to collaborate in sectors such as trade in industrial and agricultural products, transit transportation, bilateral freight services, and contracting. Syrian officials highlighted the critical role Turkish companies will play in the reconstruction of Syria and the revival of its industrial sector.
- Expanded Operations for Turkish Firms: Turkish companies, previously limited to operating in specific regions of Syria, will now coordinate with Syrian authorities to operate across the entire country and explore new investment opportunities.
- Enhanced Trade Flow at Border Crossings: Measures to strengthen existing coordination for managing increased traffic at commercial crossing points were agreed upon to ensure more efficient and faster operations.
This renewed dialogue marks a significant step toward rebuilding economic ties and fostering mutual trade between the two countries.
Source: Bloomberght/ Prepared by: İlayda Gök