The Anatolian Cities Economies Summit, which opened in Gaziantep on June 9, became a platform for redefining the economic corridor between Syria and Turkey. The summit was attended by Syrian Minister of Economy and Industry Muhammad Nidal al-Shaar, Turkish 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 were brought to the table, especially in production, trade, investment, and logistics.
The Aleppo-Gaziantep Corridor Takes Center Stage
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, linked to trade, industry, transportation, border crossings, customs, production, and exports.
Ravad Ramazan, Chairman of the Syrian Business Councils Coordination Council, said this axis represents a "sensitive and direct" economic zone. Ramazan conveyed that the Syrian private sector raised its needs regarding 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
Syrian 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 stated 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 noted that Turkish companies have started operating especially in Aleppo, with some completing registration and licensing procedures. He viewed this as the first signs of economic activity on the ground.
Ankara Announces Border and Banking Initiatives
Turkish Minister of Trade Ömer Bolat said 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 stated 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 under review.
Business Circles Seek Joint Production Areas
Ravad Ramazan said the summit generated five main opportunities for the Syrian economy. Foremost among these 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 highlighted was 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 through Turkey. Technical criteria, customs fees, and compliance standards should be worked on within this scope.
The fifth point highlighted the role of business councils, fairs, and joint events in turning these opportunities into real business relationships. Ramazan said sector meetings are important for promoting Syrian products and establishing direct connections with Turkish counterparts.
Ghazvan al-Masri also argued that Syria’s geographic location and human resources offer an opportunity to become a regional production and investment hub. 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 stated that 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.
