Turkiye aims to reach $10bn in trade with Syria

Turkiye is aiming to achieve a $10 billion bilateral trade volume with Syria as part of its short and medium-term goals with the country, as relations with the new Syrian authorities continue to advance.

According to Turkish media outlets, the head of the Turkiye-Syria Business Council for the Turkish Foreign Economic Relations Board (DEIK), Ibrahim Fuat Ozcorekci, the trade volume between the two countries had reached $2.5 billion by 2024 – a sharp rise from the pre-civil war years when the trade volume reportedly numbered between $250 million and $300 million.

Now, Ankara is apparently eyeing an even greater increase in that trade, hoping to reach up to $10 billion.

Calling Turkiye a “natural partner” for neighbouring Syria in the region, Ozcorekci stated that trade institutions must be established in Syria and that the DEIK is working to boost trade with the help of the Syrian business community within Turkiye.

He highlighted that the primary Turkish exports to Syria are iron and steel, plastics, household goods, construction materials and food products, while Syria’s main exports to Turkiye are cotton, olive oil and sunflower oil.

Ozcorekci also reiterated Turkiye’s key role in Syria’s reconstruction after 14 years of conflict and the overthrow of the late Assad regime. “Turkiye is the closest source that can meet Syria’s needs in its reconstruction, so the two countries should attach great importance to trade cooperation,” he stated.

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