Turkey and Syria Met in Damascus for the 10 Billion Dollar Trade Target
During Trade Minister Ömer Bolat's visit to Damascus, steps to increase the bilateral trade volume between Turkey and Syria to 10 billion dollars, customs facilities, and Syria's reconstruction process were discussed.
Trade Minister Ömer Bolat met with Syrian Economy and Industry Minister Mohammad Nidal Al-Shaar in Damascus on the occasion of the 63rd International Damascus Trade Fair to discuss economic relations and trade targets between the two countries.
Bilateral Trade and Cooperation Targets
While aiming to increase the bilateral trade volume between Turkey and Syria to the 10 billion dollar level during the meeting, steps to facilitate transportation and border gates were evaluated. Additionally, the role that the Turkish private sector will undertake in Syria's reconstruction process was put on the table.
Minister Bolat stated that the agreements reached at the Turkey-Syria JETCO Meeting held in April will be followed up. Speaking at the Turkey-Syria Trade Delegation and Bilateral Business Meetings session, Bolat noted that they came to Damascus with a delegation of 200 business people from Turkey.
Customs Gates and Trade Data
It was reported that a promise was received from the Syrian side regarding the opening of the Nusaybin-Cizre (Kamishly) Customs Gate by the end of the year within the scope of the meeting. Bolat expressed that trade corridors and economic integration covering the Middle East and Gulf countries are strengthening.
Mustafa Gültepe, President of the Turkish Exporters Assembly (TIM), stated that the trade volume between the two countries reached 3.7 billion dollars last year, and exports stood at the 2.1 billion dollar level in the first 7 months of this year. Gültepe requested that customs processes be made predictable and the free trade agreement be updated.