Turkish Official: There Are Opportunities for Investment Partnerships with Syria in the Port Sector
The Chairman of the Turkish Foreign Economic Relations Board (DEİK), Nail Olpak, confirmed that there are opportunities for quick investment partnerships with Syria in the field of ports and related facilities, noting that there is potential in Syria, but it will take time.
In statements to the press today, reported by Anadolu Agency, Olpak pointed out that there are some Syrian ports and facilities that are currently inactive, and cooperation with the Syrian government is possible to operate them.
He said: “I see this as one of the areas where we can move quickly, because we are not talking here about investments from scratch, but rather about existing but inactive facilities.”
He added: “We must be realistic. Investments should be looked at from short, medium, and long-term perspectives, as they do not yield quick results. Yes, there is potential in Syria, but we must recognize that this potential needs time.”
Olpak emphasized the necessity of having a banking system, financial transfers, and clear legal frameworks in Syria to regulate trade.
He noted that the Turkish delegation, headed by Turkish Trade Minister Ömer Bolat, discussed these matters with Syrian Finance Minister Mohammad Yaser Barnea.
He said: “We expressed our expectation regarding the issuance of two laws: the Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement, and the Agreement on the Avoidance of Double Taxation.”
Olpak added: “Once these two agreements are issued, businesspeople will know exactly what they need to do.”
He continued: “The visit was comprehensive and rich in content. There were no concrete results like signing a specific agreement, but clear and direct topics were discussed. That’s why I believe the visit was very substantial in terms of content.”
Earlier, Turkish Trade Minister Ömer Bolat stated that Turkey and Syria will form a strong economic integration similar to the model between the United States, Canada, and Mexico, as well as the European Union model.
Rawaa Ghanam
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