Damascus, Aug. 29 (SANA) Syria is seeking a greater role in regional and international supply chains by reviving its free zones, upgrading transport links and simplifying investment procedures, Abdul Razzaq Qantar, investment director at the General Establishment for Free Zones, told SANA on Saturday.
Qantar said the establishment’s participation in the 63rd Damascus International Fair, under the General Authority for Land and Sea Ports and Customs, offered an opportunity to highlight the return of activity to Syria’s free zones after years of neglect under the deposed regime.
Infrastructure Upgrades
Free zones across several Syrian provinces have seen renewed investment activity as authorities rehabilitate roads, electricity and water networks and improve railway connections, Qantar said.
He pointed to efforts to develop dry ports and rail freight links, including a connection between Tartous Port and the Adra Free Zone, which he described as a successful initial trial.
Work is underway with the General Establishment of Syrian Railways and the Transport Ministry to identify additional railway and road upgrades needed to improve access to free zones, he added.
Syria’s Position in Supply Chains
Qantar said agreements signed by the establishment reflected growing recognition of Syria’s geo-economic position and its potential role in international supply chains.
Syria could complement traditional supply routes and provide alternative corridors when existing routes are disrupted by regional developments, he said.
One of the main projects under preparation is an agreement to establish a free zone in Idlib province, which is planned to include a dry port and modern infrastructure.
Qantar said contacts had been held with Turkish counterparts during reciprocal visits, as well as with Syrian, Arab, regional and international investors. International companies have expressed interest in the planned Idlib facility and other Syrian free zones, he added.
Qantar said that demand for free-zone investment has exceeded expectations in 2026, prompting preparations for additional projects.
Six Steps Within 15 Days
The establishment has streamlined procedures to allow investors to take possession of a project and begin operations through six steps within 15 working days, and sometimes sooner, Qantar said.
The process involves selecting a site, completing an allocation application, submitting it through a one-stop shop, preparing and receiving the contract, obtaining commercial registration and taking possession of the site.
The one-stop-shop system has reduced procedures and shortened the time required for investors to begin operations, he said.
“The free zones are no longer restricted to certain individuals, but are open to everyone, to any interested investor,” Qantar said, adding that the establishment was ready to support investors regardless of their location or type of project.
He called on Syrian investors in particular to contribute expertise they had acquired while working in free zones in neighboring countries and elsewhere.
Occupancy Reaches Up to 100%
Qantar said occupancy rates have risen significantly, with some free zones reaching 100% occupancy and others reaching 80%, leaving about 20% of investment opportunities available in those locations.
Other zones are expected to reach about 90% occupancy by the end of 2026, he pointed out.
Qantar said Syrian authorities were seeing interest from Arab, regional and international investors. He added that feedback from Syrian investors had helped shape changes to the establishment’s operating procedures.
New Investment Law Under Review
Updating the legal framework is another priority, Qantar said.
Free-zone investment is currently governed by Law No. 40, amended in 2003, parts of which no longer meet current requirements after more than two decades of changes in investment practices, he added.
A first draft of a new investment law has been completed and is under discussion within the General Authority for Land and Sea Ports and Customs.
Qantar said the draft was developed following consultations with Syrian and foreign investors and experts and a review of international practices. Once discussions within the authority are completed, it will be shared with relevant bodies for consideration and approval before implementing regulations are prepared.
The 63rd Damascus International Fair runs through Sept. 4, with about 1,000 participants representing nearly 60 countries, including Syrian, Arab and international companies, ministries and public institutions, chambers of commerce, business councils and investment and service organizations.
MHD
