The Anatolian Cities Economies Summit, which opened on June 9 in Gaziantep, witnessed discussions that redefined the economic ties between Syria and Turkey. The summit was attended by Syria's Minister of Economy and Industry Muhammad Nidal al-Shaar, Turkey's Minister of Trade Ömer Bolat, Aleppo Governor Azzam al-Garip, and Gaziantep Metropolitan Mayor Fatma Şahin.
The meeting emphasized moving the economic relationship between the two countries beyond temporary contacts toward long-term partnerships. The Syrian side reported that concrete topics, especially in production, trade, investment, and logistics, were brought to the table.
The Aleppo-Gaziantep Axis Stands Out
Syria-Turkish economist Ghazvan al-Masri described the summit as a significant milestone marking the transition from a period of renewed communication to one of strategic economic partnership. According to al-Masri, the summit's main focus was the Aleppo-Gaziantep axis, connected to trade, industry, transportation, border crossings, customs, production, and exports.
Ravad Ramazan, Chairman of the Syrian Business Councils Coordination Council, stated that this axis represents a "sensitive and direct" economic zone. Ramazan conveyed that the Syrian private sector raised its needs for raw materials, machinery, markets, investment, and trade facilitation.
The summit also discussed which Syrian products could be exported to Turkey or other markets through Turkey. Product standards, fees, and compliance mechanisms were examined under this topic.
Damascus Calls for Partnership with Investors
Syria's Minister of Economy and Industry Muhammad Nidal al-Shaar called on Turkish investors to establish sustainable economic partnerships in Syria. Al-Shaar emphasized preference for models based on expertise transfer and productive projects rather than short-term, quick-profit investments.
Al-Shaar noted that the Damascus administration aims to elevate economic cooperation to a "strategic" level, highlighting significant industrial opportunities in Syria that could form the foundation for future partnerships between the two countries.
He also mentioned that Turkish companies have started operating especially in Aleppo, with some completing registration and licensing processes. He viewed this as the first signs of economic activity on the ground.
Ankara Announces Border and Banking Initiatives
Turkey's Minister of Trade Ömer Bolat stated that new factories and production workshops have opened in Syria, and signs of recovery are visible in the agricultural sector. Bolat also noted that the Turkish Ministry supported Turkish companies' participation in six international fairs held in Syria last year.
Bolat announced that Turkey participated in the Damascus International Fair last year with over 100 businesspeople and preparations have resumed for the new edition. Additionally, preparations to open the Islahiye railway crossing between Gaziantep and Syria have been completed, and work is underway to modernize border gates.
The Turkish side also announced that preparations to open the Nusaybin border crossing to Qamishli have been completed. According to Bolat, the goal is to activate this route as soon as possible to better integrate northeastern Syria into trade and investment flows.
Bolat added that preparations on the Turkish side to reopen the customs border at the Meydan Ekbis–Islahiye corridor are complete. Furthermore, an agreement has been reached to open Turkish banks in Syria, with necessary legal regulations currently under review.
Business Circles Seek Joint Production Areas
Ravad Ramazan identified five main opportunities for the Syrian economy arising from the summit. Foremost is improving trade and transportation between Syria and Turkey. Ramazan argued that opening border crossings and completing part of the railway line would reduce transportation costs and accelerate the flow of goods.
The second opportunity is Syria's potential to strengthen its role as a regional transit corridor between Turkey, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Gulf countries, and Iraq. Ramazan said this could open a new economic zone in transportation, transit, and logistics sectors.
Thirdly, the idea of establishing regular production and trade zones between Aleppo and Gaziantep was raised. These zones could provide space for small and medium-sized enterprises in food industry, textiles, construction materials, packaging, and logistics.
Fourth, it was emphasized that suitable products need to be identified to increase Syria's exports to Turkey or other markets via Turkey. Technical criteria, customs fees, and compliance standards should be worked on in this context.
The fifth point highlighted the role of business councils, fairs, and joint events in turning these opportunities into real business relationships. Ramazan stated that sector meetings are important for promoting Syrian products and establishing direct connections with Turkish counterparts.
Ghazvan al-Masri also argued that Syria has seized the opportunity to become a regional production and investment hub thanks to its geographical location and human resources. He noted that combining Turkey's experience in industry, exports, and logistics with Syria's capacity could yield mutual benefits for both sides.
Al-Masri said the next phase should shift from traditional trade to a partnership model based on production, investment, and technology transfer. According to him, this approach could strengthen economic stability in Syria, create employment, and contribute to regional development.
