Syria and Turkey Sign MoU to Establish Free Zone and Dry Port in Idlib

The General Authority for Free Zones, operating under Syria's General Authority for Border Crossings and Customs, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Turkish company BOMACO, a firm specialising in border management and logistics infrastructure. The signing ceremony was held at the Idlib Governorate headquarters in the presence of senior officials from both the Syrian and Turkish sides.

Signatories and Attendees

The MoU was signed on behalf of the Syrian authority by its Director General, Ahmad al-Damen, and on behalf of BOMACO by Sarhan Palaban. The ceremony was also attended by Idlib Governor Mohammad Abdul Rahman and Alp Arin Yilmaz, Deputy Governor of Turkey's Hatay Province, alongside representatives of relevant bodies from both countries.

Implementation Mechanism

The agreement stipulates that the project will be executed under a Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) model, whereby BOMACO will be responsible for conducting the technical and economic feasibility studies, as well as all planning and implementation work. Under this framework, the private company finances and operates the facility for a defined period before transferring ownership to the state.

Project Components

The project encompasses the development of an integrated free zone incorporating industrial, commercial, and service facilities, in addition to a dry port supported by a comprehensive logistics network designed to facilitate transport and trade flows. The total project area is approximately 1,105,000 square metres, situated east of Idlib city at the intersection of international road corridors.

Economic Objectives

The project aims to stimulate economic activity in Idlib Governorate, attract domestic and foreign investment, and generate new employment opportunities for the local population. It also seeks to strengthen bilateral trade between Syria and Turkey, in line with a broader ambition to raise the volume of two-way trade to 10 billion US dollars, a target discussed during the first meeting of the Joint Economic and Trade Committee (JETCO) between the two countries.

Strategic Context

This MoU forms part of a growing Syrian-Turkish cooperation track in logistics and trade infrastructure. BOMACO's engagement with the Syrian authority began in April 2025, when an initial meeting was held to explore investment and infrastructure opportunities. The company's areas of expertise include:

• Development and management of border crossings and customs facilities
• Construction and operation of logistics centres and dry ports
• Improvement of customs clearance efficiency and procedures
• Supply chain support and facilitation of cross-border trade