Syria, Turkey Form Joint Customs Committee

Turkish Trade Minister Omer Bolat announced that Syria and Turkey have formed a joint customs committee and are working to expand and develop customs crossings alongside growing trade and international transport corridors between the two countries. The announcement came during the International Business Forum held in Aleppo.

Growing Bilateral Trade

Bolat described Syria and Turkey as important economic partners, noting that bilateral trade has grown this year, with continued work on cooperation in trade, investment, energy, transport and the financial sector. He said work continues on increasing investments, strengthening energy cooperation, and developing banking operations.

Business Forum in Aleppo

Aleppo Chamber of Commerce President Mohammad Said Sheikh Al Kar said the forum was the culmination of a series of meetings between the Syrian and Turkish sides, paving the way for economic partnerships between companies in trade, industry and rebuilding, expressing hope the meetings would mark the start of strong economic partnerships. International Business Forum Vice President Ghazwan Masri noted the importance of the Turkish minister's visit to Aleppo given the city's industrial and trade standing.

Investment Opportunities in Sheikh Najjar

Yousef Fattouh, general manager of the Sheikh Najjar Industrial City, said the Turkish delegation reviewed the industrial city's operations and discussed investment opportunities and areas of cooperation, and conducted a field tour of production facilities. Seifallah Shahin, a board member of the Independent Turkish Businessmen and Industrialists Association (MUSIAD), said Turkish businessmen come to invest and contribute to the growth of the Syrian economy, in addition to raising the volume of bilateral trade.

New Production Partnerships

During his visit to the industrial city, Bolat noted new production projects in Syria through partnerships with Turkish companies, affirming Turkish readiness to help develop customs facilities on the Syrian side to boost trade exchange. Syrian Economy and Industry Minister Nidal Al Shaar had earlier discussed with Bolat in Damascus ways to strengthen cooperation in economic and industrial sectors, increase trade volume, facilitate investment flows, and support the private sector.