Turkey and Syria have discussed trade cooperation and customs operations, agreeing to explore the possibility of reinstating the free trade agreement, according to a statement from Turkey’s Ministry of Trade.
"The parties have agreed to initiate negotiations aimed at reviving the free trade agreement, which ceased to be in effect in 2011, in order to establish a more comprehensive approach to economic relations," the ministry reported.
A decision was also made to review the customs tariff system. "It was agreed to revise customs duties on specific goods to ensure the same rates are applied by both sides at all border crossings," the ministry added.
The discussions, held via videoconference and in-person meetings between Turkey’s Deputy Minister of Trade and Syrian officials in Damascus, concluded with a commitment from the Syrian side. They stated that Turkish companies would play a key role in the country’s reconstruction and lead the development of Syrian industries.
"To revive the Syrian economy, the parties decided to collaborate in areas such as trade in industrial and agricultural goods, transit and bilateral transportation, and contracting services. Turkish companies, currently operating in limited regions of Syria, will expand their activities across the country. Coordination with Syrian authorities will ensure assessments of investment opportunities," the statement elaborated.
The Turkish Ministry of Trade emphasized that a "new era in foreign trade relations" between Ankara and Damascus has begun. However, it noted that "some misunderstandings and confusion arose after the new Syrian administration implemented a unified customs regime for all countries, including neighboring states, on January 11." These issues were addressed during the negotiations, where steps to enhance trade-economic relations and customs matters were outlined, along with a roadmap for the future.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Based on TASS materials