Turkish Syrian Business Forum Opens in Damascus to Boost Industrial and Investment Cooperation

The Turkish Syrian Business Forum (B2B) opened in Damascus, organized by the Yusuf Oglu Group for International Relations and Exhibition Management, at the Umayyad Hall of the Sham Hotel. Running over two days, the forum brings together more than 25 Turkish companies and manufacturers specializing in construction, decoration, energy, and the textile and clothing industry, alongside broad attendance from Syrian businesspeople, investors, and representatives of local economic bodies.

Turkish Official Statements

Turkey's charge d'affaires in Damascus, Burhan Kuroglu, stated that Syria's rebuilding phase requires broad international cooperation, and that Turkey, with its industrial and commercial expertise, can be an active partner in this field. He noted that a recent visit by Syria's Minister of Economy and Industry to Ankara resulted in important agreements on industrial and commercial cooperation, and that dozens of Turkish companies are currently visiting Syria to explore investment opportunities.

Syrian Chambers' Position

Mohammad Ayman al-Mawlawi, head of the Damascus and Countryside Chamber of Industry, said the forum represents an important step in developing economic and investment relations. He explained that Syria needs capital and industrial expertise to support the rebuilding process, adding that certain Syrian industries could form the nucleus for production partnerships with Turkish counterparts in industry, trade, and tourism.

Agricultural Cooperation Agreement

Mohammad Jannan, head of the Damascus and Countryside Chamber of Agriculture, announced the signing of a cooperation agreement between the chamber and the Yusuf Oglu Group. The agreement covers:

• Exporting Syrian agricultural products to Turkey
• Importing agricultural production supplies
• Benefiting from Turkish expertise in agricultural mechanization and modern irrigation networks

Preparations are underway to hold a Turkish agricultural exhibition in Damascus in the near future.

Yusuf Oglu Group Strategy

Hamza Yusuf Oglu, head of the Oglu Group for International Relations and Investment, said the forum marks a culmination of the group's efforts to build strong economic bridges between Syria and Turkey. Over the past five months, the group carried out a series of exploratory visits to Syria to identify local market needs, define investment opportunities, and attract Turkish companies. The group's strategy focuses on direct company-to-company trade, granting Turkish commercial agencies to Syrian investors, and establishing Turkish factories in Syria in partnership with local partners.

Forum Objectives

The forum aims to reactivate commercial links between Syrian and Turkish companies and open new avenues for industrial and investment cooperation through direct meetings between businesspeople and manufacturers from both sides to discuss partnership opportunities and exchange expertise and services across various production fields.