The MÜSİAD EXPO 2026 International Trade Fair is bringing together producers, brands and international buyers from various sectors in Istanbul. A total of 369 companies from 18 sectors are participating in the fair, which is being held across approximately 25,000 square meters at the Istanbul Expo Center.
Speaking at the fair, Ali Alhamad, director of public relations at the Directorate of Industrial and Craft Zones under Syria’s Ministry of Local Administration and Environment, said they expected Turkish investors to play a critical role in Syria’s recovery after the war.
Reform of investment legislation in preparation
Alhamad said a comprehensive reform process had been launched to remove bureaucratic obstacles and restrictive legislation left over from the previous administration. He said numerous legal regulations supporting investors were being prepared and described Türkiye as one of the countries closest to Syria.
Alhamad said Syria and Türkiye could invest together and that Turkish investors could operate in the country through their own projects, adding that there were plans for partnerships in industry and infrastructure.
Energy and transport infrastructure prioritized
Alhamad said priority was being given to repairing energy and transport networks that suffered heavy damage during the war. He added that, once infrastructure deficiencies were addressed, the aim was to build investment bridges between Turkish businesspeople and Syrian entrepreneurs.
Alhamad said these investments would contribute to reviving the regional economy and accelerating trade relations between Türkiye and Syria. He said Syria had emerged from a difficult 14-year war and noted that efforts had been underway for the past two years to restore security and stability.
Target of 380 sites for industrial zones
Alhamad said the creation of a secure environment would generate new opportunities for Syrians and Turkish investors. He added that Syrians who had previously sought refuge in Türkiye could also serve as a bridge between the two sides in commercial activities in their country.
Alhamad said Turkish investors were conducting infrastructure and market research in various sectors, particularly textiles. He added that they aimed to offer entrepreneurs opportunities in every sector and support the investment process.
Plans call for industrial zones and infrastructure facilities to be established in various cities, particularly Raqqa, Aleppo and Idlib, based on Türkiye’s organized industrial zone model. The total number is expected to rise from the existing 173 sites to 380 with the addition of new ones, while the first organized industrial zones are targeted to become operational within 1-2 years.
