The Syrian Ministry of Transport recently engaged in high-level talks with Chinese firms to discuss strategic cooperation on the rehabilitation of the country’s road and railway infrastructure. The initiative aims to boost internal connectivity and strengthen Syria’s links with the broader region and international markets.
Held via video conference with representatives from the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) and China Railway Construction Corporation (CRCC), the discussions focused on Syria’s upcoming transport projects and plans for infrastructure reconstruction, according to a ministry statement.
Minister of Transport Yarub Badr outlined Syria’s vision for partnering with international players like China, showcasing strategic projects intended to reinforce Syria’s geopolitical role as a vital trade corridor connecting East and West, as well as North and South.
The Chinese companies presented technical proposals drawn from their global experience, including projects such as the Jakarta-Bandung high-speed rail in Indonesia and the East-West highway in Algeria.
Both sides explored opportunities to enhance railway transport speeds up to 250 km/h, while emphasizing that implementation will depend on thorough economic assessments and securing adequate funding.
Among the key projects under consideration are the North-South Expressway-a major highway stretching from the Turkish border to the Jordanian border. Another flagship initiative is the regional railway link designed to connect Syria’s rail network with neighboring countries via a North-South corridor linking Europe to the Gulf and the Gulf of Aqaba.
Additional discussions covered Damascus Metro project, alongside digital innovations such as an electronic freight transport platform, digital vehicle registration, ticketing and payment systems, and the integration of electronic weighing scales at ports and border crossings.
This meeting underscores Syria’s commitment to developing its transport infrastructure through strategic projects and reflects its openness to international investment during the critical reconstruction phase.
