Turkish Trade Minister Bolat to visit Syria to strengthen economic cooperation

Turkish Trade Minister Omer Bolat will visit Syria on April 16-17, leading a delegation of business leaders to discuss and enhance economic cooperation between the two countries.

The visit will focus on several key areas, including trade, customs, transportation, investment, energy, and financial sectors, as well as strengthening the coordination between institutions to support Syria’s economic development.

This official trip is expected to play a significant role in shaping the future dynamics of Türkiye-Syria economic relations.

It follows a series of steps taken recently to facilitate better trade relations, including the reopening of border crossings and a reduction in tariffs.

Strengthening bilateral cooperation across multiple sectors

During his visit, Minister Bolat will meet with several high-level Syrian officials, including Syria’s Economy Minister Mohammed Nidal al-Shaar, Finance Minister Mohammed Yusr Barniyeh, Transport Minister Yaarub Bader, and Director of Syria’s Land and Sea Ports Authority, Qutaiba Ahmed Badawi.

Bolat will conduct both bilateral and delegation-level meetings, aiming to address areas of economic collaboration that could support Syria’s reconstruction efforts.

A key focus will be on the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement between the two countries.

“In our meeting with Minister Shaar, we will discuss the roadmap for the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, which will accelerate economic and commercial relations between Türkiye and Syria,” Bolat said.

Key topics to be discussed: Energy, transport, and infrastructure

One of the major topics of discussion will be Syria’s institutional infrastructure and the country’s rebuilding efforts, particularly focusing on Türkiye’s potential contributions to lifting sanctions, strengthening banking infrastructure, and the broader reconstruction process.

Bolat also highlighted that Ankara’s expertise in the energy, transport, and banking sectors would be key in supporting Syria’s future economic development.

In discussions with Syria’s Transport Minister Bader, Bolat will explore ways to further strengthen transportation and logistics links between the two countries.

The development and modernization of transport networks will play a critical role in regional development, and Bolat emphasized that Türkiye’s experience in this sector could provide valuable solutions.

Bolat also noted that discussions with Syria’s Port Authority Director would cover the improvement and modernization of customs facilities at border crossings, enhancing operational efficiencies, and addressing private sector expectations in the field.

Business Forum and collaboration with local industry

Besides high-level meetings, the visit will include an “Investment Forum” where Turkish business leaders will meet with Syrian counterparts to explore new business opportunities.

These roundtable discussions are expected to help expand bilateral business relations and foster investment projects in Syria.

“The Turkish private sector, alongside government efforts, is eager to contribute to the reconstruction of Syria. Our business community is actively seeking investment opportunities, and we are confident that this visit will yield productive discussions on further cooperation,” Bolat said.

Strengthening diplomatic and trade relations

Minister Bolat’s visit follows a series of diplomatic steps aimed at re-establishing strong trade relations with Syria after years of tensions.

On Dec. 9, 2024, Türkiye reopened the Yayladagi Customs Gate, which had been closed for many years, and started facilitating trade exchanges again.

On Jan. 1, 2025, Syria’s customs authority, now controlled by the temporary government in Syria, took over the management of customs operations, helping streamline border trade.

Earlier this year, Türkiye’s Deputy Minister of Trade, Mustafa Tuzcu, also visited Syria, where a series of meetings helped lower tariffs on several products, signaling a positive direction for future trade.