Damascus, June 9 (SANA) Syrian and Turkish officials met in Gaziantep on Tuesday for the “Anadolu City Economies Summit, Gaziantep-Aleppo”, where they discussed expanding bilateral trade, investment opportunities and measures to facilitate production, exports and customs procedures.
The summit brought together a high-level Syrian economic delegation led by Minister of Economy and Industry Mohammad Nidal al-Shaar and Turkish Minister of Trade Ömer Bolat to explore prospects for expanding bilateral trade and economic cooperation.
Speaking at the opening of the summit, Minister al-Shaar said Türkiye is a “natural partner” and called for the opening of Turkish banks in Syria.
Bolat said trade volume between Türkiye and Syria has exceeded $3 billion, adding that Ankara’s next target is $5 billion. He also said Türkiye will soon open the Islahiye railway crossing between Gaziantep and Syria.
Organized by Anadolu Agency in cooperation with the Gaziantep Governorate and Metropolitan Municipality, the event is being held at the Mavera Congress and Arts Center at Gaziantep University, with participation from business representatives of both countries.
Discussions focus on a new phase of economic relations, including plans to establish organized production and trade zones between Gaziantep and Aleppo, aimed at supporting investment, cross-border production systems and regional economic integration.
The summit also addresses trade, logistics, customs cooperation and investment opportunities, alongside sessions highlighting historical economic ties along the Silk Road. It is also aimed at supporting Syria’s reconstruction through a Gaziantep-centered economic synergy and establishing long-term cooperation platforms between the public and private sectors.
M.F / ABD
