Turkish Ambassador Targets $10 Billion Trade with Syria Through Free Trade Deal and Joint Industrial Zones

An Economic Partnership with Ambitious Targets

Turkey's ambassador to Damascus, Nuh Yilmaz, speaking in an interview with Syria Now television, described the current volume of bilateral trade as negligible relative to what both sides are aiming for. He stated that the target is to reach $10 billion in trade in the medium term, adding that this figure is a provisional goal and could be exceeded.

The ambassador said that reaching this target requires two parallel tracks: concluding a free trade agreement between the two countries and establishing joint industrial zones. He noted that negotiations on the industrial zones have been under way for some time and expressed expectation that more than one zone would be built at a rapid pace.

Dry Port Initiative in Idlib

Yilmaz highlighted an initiative to establish a dry port in Idlib governorate, led by the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey (TOBB). The initiative is designed to address practical obstacles to cross-border trade, including lengthy waiting times at border points, customs complications, and disputes arising from freight transport. The ambassador stated that this facility would bring bilateral trade to its highest level.

Border Crossings and Trade Flows

On the question of border crossings, the ambassador confirmed that all crossings would open gradually and expressed expectation that they would become operational within three months. He indicated that the opening of these crossings would directly stimulate the movement of goods between the two countries.

Obstacles to Economic Integration

Yilmaz identified several obstacles currently slowing economic integration, including:

• The existing legal and legislative framework
• The commercial and financial structure
• Laws carried over from the previous period
• Remaining international sanctions, most of which he said have been lifted, with one designation still in force

The ambassador also noted that Turkey's textile industry has been losing its competitive edge in international markets, making Syria a promising destination for investment in that sector. He called for the free trade agreement to be signed as quickly as possible.

Education and Visa Facilitation

On the education front, Yilmaz announced an agreement between Turkey's Ministry of National Education and the Syrian side to open Maarif Foundation schools in Syria, starting in Damascus and its surroundings, with potential expansion to other cities. He also noted that Turkey's Ministry of Foreign Affairs is working to streamline visa procedures for Syrians wishing to travel between the two countries.