Ankara, Damascus push ahead with $10 billion trade target

As part of efforts to increase bilateral commerce between Türkiye and Syria, both sides have agreed to expand economic cooperation and take steps to facilitate cross-border trade.

Türkiye’s Minister of Trade Ömer Bolat has held talks with Kutayba Badawi, the Head of Syria’s Customs and Border Crossings Authority, in Ankara on July 22, as Caliber.Az reports, citing his statement following their meeting via social media. 

Their meeting centred on the development of trade and economic ties and measures to simplify border procedures.

Following the meeting, Ankara and Damascus confirmed their intention to increase bilateral trade turnover from $3 billion recorded in 2025 to reach $10 billion.

The sides also discussed the revision of customs duties, accelerating the work of the Joint Customs Committee, and expanding cooperation at border crossing points.

As part of the agreements reached, the two countries plan to modernise six existing border crossings to support trade and logistics routes connecting Türkiye with the Middle East and Gulf countries.

Türkiye and Syria also agreed to open a new customs crossing between Nusaybin in southeastern Türkiye and Qamishli in northeastern Syria by the end of 2026, which will further enhance regional trade connectivity.

By Nazrin Sadigova