Trade Prospects Brighten at Damascus International Fair

Aisha Mensah | AA

Damascus International Fair launches with hopes of boosting Turkish-Syrian trade partnerships, as economic ministers aim for enhanced cooperation across multiple sectors.

The 63rd Damascus International Fair opened on Tuesday, attracting a notable delegation from Türkiye. Turkish Trade Minister Omer Bolat highlighted significant investment and local production opportunities in Syria that could benefit both nations.

Omer Bolat, addressing media, emphasized the gathering of Turkish and Syrian businesspeople at this long-standing global trade event to explore various economic collaborations, marking a promising phase for future cooperation.

Last year's fair was attended by over 800 firms from 44 countries and drew two million visitors, underscoring its importance as a premier platform for international trade.

Robust Turkish-Syrian Trade Dynamics

Bolat underscored that Türkiye's trade with Syria is built on a win-win approach, with a substantial trade volume of $3.7 billion recorded last year. The first half of the current year alone saw a 16% increase, reaching $2.2 billion.

Highlighting Turkish participation, he noted that Türkiye occupied a 120 square meter exhibition space with 33 exhibitors last year and continues to engage with a variety of promotional activities this year.

Parallel efforts to forge new relationships and strengthen existing ones underline the strategic importance placed on free economic exchanges with Syria.

Expanding Economic Horizons

Bolat announced plans to visit the Sheikh Najjar Industrial Zone in Aleppo as part of the fair activities. The aim is to assess firsthand the production and investment opportunities available in Syria.

The minister highlighted diverse sectors ripe for collaboration, including infrastructure, energy, logistics, agriculture, and technology. By leveraging these opportunities, both nations can foster sustainable economic development.

Türkiye aims to boost its trade volume with Syria to $10 billion, capitalizing on its logistic capabilities and the experience of its private sector in regional markets.

Strategic Prospects for Urban Development

The mutual interest in economic collaboration at the Damascus International Fair underscores the potential to transform urban infrastructure. By concentrating on sustainable investment models, cities stand to benefit from advanced industrial and logistical projects funded by this transnational cooperation.

Urban development opportunities open new doors for Syrian cities, promising enhancements in public services, technological capabilities, and infrastructure. This could lead to broader regional integration, fostering greater resilience and economic stability.

Questions That Matter

What is the Damascus International Fair?

The Damascus International Fair is an annual event held in the Syrian capital, now in its 63rd iteration. Last year, it attracted over 800 firms from 44 countries and two million visitors.

What growth has Turkish-Syrian trade seen?

Turkish-Syrian trade volume surged over 16% annually, reaching $2.2 billion for January-July 2026. Turkey plans to further increase its trade volume with Syria to $10 billion.