Türkiye, Syria explore new trade era at Gaziantep summit

Türkiye and Syria have discussed expanding economic cooperation and boosting bilateral trade on the sidelines of the Anadolu City Economies Summit in Gaziantep, as Ankara seeks to deepen commercial engagement with Damascus amid regional reconstruction efforts.

Türkiye’s Minister of Trade Ömer Bolat and Syria’s Minister of Economy Muhammad Nidal al-Shaar attended the opening of the summit, where officials reviewed prospects for closer coordination in trade, investment, logistics, manufacturing and customs, Caliber.Az reports.

Bolat said on X that the discussions aligned with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s vision of regional development, noting that both sides had assessed “new opportunities” linked to Syria’s rebuilding process. He described the evolving economic relationship as being based on mutual benefit, shared growth and regional stability.

He highlighted a strong rise in trade flows, saying Türkiye’s exports to Syria increased by 50.7% in 2025 to $3.3 billion, with positive momentum continuing into 2026. The figures, he added, reflect growing confidence among businesses operating across the border.

Ankara aims to further integrate Syria into a “safe and sustainable trade corridor” extending across the Middle East, supported by improved logistics and easier cross-border commerce.

Bolat also reiterated a medium-term target of raising bilateral trade to $10 billion, driven by measures to facilitate trade, attract investment and strengthen regional transport links.