Turkey and Syria Begin Negotiations to Revive Free Trade Agreement
The Turkish Ministry of Trade announced on Friday that Ankara and Damascus have agreed to commence negotiations for the revival of the free trade agreement between Turkey and Syria, which was suspended in 2011, according to Anadolu Agency.
The ministry’s statement noted that officials have held meetings with Syrian authorities to discuss steps needed to strengthen economic, trade, and customs relations. The statement highlighted that bilateral relations have seen significant progress recently, especially following the fall of the previous Syrian regime on December 8, 2024.
A specialized technical delegation from the ministry, led by Deputy Minister of Trade Mustafa Tuzcu, arrived in Damascus on Thursday via Turkish Airlines. In Damascus, the Turkish delegation met with Syrian Internal Trade and Consumer Protection Minister Maher Khalil Al-Hassan, Head of the Land and Sea Ports Authority Quteiba Al-Badawi, and other Syrian foreign ministry officials.
Both sides have decided to reevaluate the customs duties applied by Syria on all countries and border crossings, effective from January 11, 2025.
The agreement includes initiating negotiations to revive the free trade agreement, which was
suspended in 2011, with a more comprehensive economic partnership approach.
The agreement also outlines cooperation in areas such as industrial and agricultural product
trade, transit transport, bilateral transport, and contracting to stimulate the Syrian economy. The
statement from Syria highlighted the pivotal role Turkish companies will play in the
reconstruction of Syria and the revival of its industry.
Coordination with the Syrian administration will ensure that Turkish companies previously
operating in certain areas can extend their services across the entire country. This includes
assessing investment opportunities in the new phase.
Further, there is an agreement to enhance coordination with Syria for more efficient management
of heavy traffic at commercial border crossings.
A new phase has begun in trade relations between the two countries, with Turkey being Syria’s
largest trade partner in foreign trade. The statement affirmed that Turkish products are now able
to reach all territories of Syria, not just the northern regions.
This article aims to inform readers about the significant steps being taken to restore and enhance
economic ties between Turkey and Syria, reflecting on the political and economic changes
influencing this bilateral relationship.
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