Türkiye, Syria set sights on $10B bilateral trade volume

Turkish Trade Minister Ömer Bolat announced on Wednesday that Türkiye and Syria are working to increase bilateral trade volume to $10 billion, building on a historic peak of $3.7 billion reached this year. The target follows high-level talks in Ankara focused on customs cooperation and border facilitation between the neighboring economies.

Customs coordination in focus

Bolat held discussions with Qutayba Badawi, head of the Syrian Customs and Border Crossings Authority, on the margins of the Syria Free Trade and Industrial Zones and Investment Forum at the Trade Ministry. The minister outlined expectations for a comprehensive review of customs duties, accelerated Joint Customs Committee processes, and strengthened cooperation at border gates to streamline commercial flows, according to his statement on the Turkish social media platform NSosyal.

Border regions to anchor expansion

Türkiye aims to mobilize the full commercial potential along its southern frontier, particularly in the Gaziantep and Aleppo corridor, which has historically served as a vital trade artery between the two nations. The focus on these border zones reflects the determination to restore pre-conflict trade levels and infrastructure connectivity.

Regional stability through trade

Officials emphasized that expanding economic integration forms the strongest foundation for lasting peace, stability, and social welfare across the region. Both governments remain committed to close contact and joint efforts to achieve the $10 billion target set by their presidents, reinforcing diplomatic normalization through concrete commercial partnerships.