Syria and Turkey discuss ways to enhance trade exchange between the two countries

Qutaiba Badawi, the Head of the General Authority for Land and Maritime Ports, held a meeting with Turkish Minister of Trade Omer Bulat during which they agreed on “high-level coordination between the two countries on economic matters, enhancing trade exchange, discussing customs tariffs, and investment in Syrian free zones by Turkish investors.

They also discussed allowing Syrian vehicles to cross into Turkish territory and vice versa, and opening the Kessab border crossing between the two countries for the movement of small commercial trucks.

The Head of the Authority also discussed with Minister Bulat and the accompanying delegation in an expanded meeting ways to develop bilateral trade and economic relations, overcoming obstacles that hinder the enhancement of trade exchange, and increasing the level of exports between the two friendly countries.

The Head of the Authority pointed out that several customs measures have been taken since the beginning of this year aimed at increasing the volume of imports and exports between Syria and Turkey.
He emphasized the necessity of rehabilitating infrastructure, particularly scanner devices at the land crossings and seaports connecting the two countries to facilitate the flow of cargo shipments, enhance joint transport sectors, and exchange tourism delegations.

For his part, Minister Bulat confirmed that the visit of the Turkish delegation, which includes a selection of Turkish businessmen and heads and representatives of chambers of commerce and industry in Turkey, to Syria, comes after the formation of the new government to discuss various aspects of bilateral cooperation between the two countries and to provide support and assistance to the Syrian side.

He noted the strong ties between the Turkish and Syrian peoples in both past and present, emphasizing Turkey’s determination to stand by Syria.

Souha Suleiman