Hosted by the Foreign Economic Relations Board of Türkiye (DEİK), the Türkiye–Syria Business and Investment Forum was held in Istanbul on April 7, 2026, within the scope of the 1st Term Meeting of the Türkiye–Syria JETCO. The forum was attended by Minister of Trade of the Republic of Türkiye Prof. Dr. Ömer Bolat, Syrian Minister of Economy and Industry Prof. Dr. Muhammed Nidal eş-Şaar, DEİK President Nail Olpak, Chairperson of the Syrian Business Councils Coordination Council Rawad Ramadan, DEİK/Türkiye–Syria Business Council Chairperson Mahsum Altunkaya, Syria–Türkiye Business Council Chairman Hüssam Eddin Tatari, and representatives of the business communities of both countries.

Minister Bolat: "We achieved $3.7 billion in trade with a 40% increase last year"

Emphasizing their commitment to balanced and sustainable trade with Syria, Minister Bolat stated: "We have provided our Syrian counterparts with the necessary information regarding both the revival of the Free Trade Agreement that existed before 2011 and the possibility of concluding a more comprehensive economic cooperation agreement at a higher level. We are currently progressing step by step through JETCO. On the other hand, we had signed the agreement establishing the Joint Customs Committee in Syria, and it entered into force on March 26. From now on, issues such as facilitation and acceleration in customs procedures will be addressed and resolved within this committee by the relevant ministers of both governments."

Highlighting the war that has affected neighboring countries in the Middle East, Bolat noted that accelerating and facilitating transit trade between Türkiye and Syria is of great importance in meeting regional supply needs. He recalled that two agreements in the field of transportation were signed by the relevant ministers, including one signed in Istanbul on June 28 last year regarding transit through Syria. "Transit trade is now possible through Syria to the entire Middle East and the Gulf. Similarly, we have recently made significant progress with our brotherly country Saudi Arabia regarding driver visas for transit trade—an issue that had not advanced for 10 years. Starting next Wednesday, transit trade via Saudi Arabia will also begin," he said.

Bolat also emphasized that Turkish contracting companies, which have gained global recognition, are ready to participate in Syria's reconstruction:
"Following the restoration of unity and stability in Syria and the lifting of financial sanctions, confidence and stability will increase. We firmly believe that investments, construction activities, contracting services, and industrial zone developments will accelerate."

Eş-Şaar: "We can host partnerships between our brothers from Syria and Türkiye"

Stating that Turkish investors can enter Syria safely and comfortably, Syrian Minister of Economy and Industry Prof. Dr. Muhammed Nidal eş-Şaar said:
"Our duty is to resolve the investment-related issues of our brothers. We are ready. We can host partnerships between our brothers from Syria and Türkiye. By benefiting from Türkiye's centuries-old experience and Syria's rich heritage, we are ready to turn this vision into reality. The relationship between Türkiye and Syria is not newly formed nor driven by political developments—it is destiny." Eş-Şaar added that as Syria enters a new phase of freedom, it is becoming a country of opportunity, attracting thousands of investments.

Olpak: "Syria is striving to overcome the challenges of the past 15 years"

DEİK President Nail Olpak noted that rebuilding an entire system is not easy for the Syrian government, which took office in March last year:
"As the DEİK family, we will do everything we can. Syria, which has endured significant challenges over the past 15 years, is now making efforts to overcome them and move toward a better future. Our Türkiye–Syria Business Council has been active since 2000, and we will continue to stand by our Syrian counterparts with full support."

Olpak emphasized the importance of logistics, customs procedures, financing, and money transfers for improving bilateral economic relations. He also highlighted the need for agreements on the prevention of double taxation and mutual investment protection:
"There is no technical or technological problem that cannot be solved. We have proven this as the Turkish business community, and we can achieve it together with our Syrian partners. Two key elements are needed: a solid legal and regulatory framework, and adequate financing. We define Türkiye as the largest investment, production, and technology hub between Western Europe and China, with foreign trade exceeding $820 billion. Therefore, we invite more Syrian companies to invest in this beautiful country."

Ramadan: "We see strong cooperation between public institutions and companies"

Chairman of the Syrian Business Councils Coordination Council Rawad Ramadan underlined the importance of the forum, noting that it supports cooperation between the two countries:
"We see a strong joint effort between public institutions and companies. Cooperation between Türkiye and Syria holds great opportunities. Today, Syria represents an opportunity, and Türkiye has significant experience."

Altunkaya: "Improving customs practices and banking integration is crucial"

Mahsum Altunkaya, Chairperson of the DEİK/Türkiye–Syria Business Council, emphasized the growing trade potential between the two countries: "In 2025, Türkiye's exports to Syria increased significantly to $3.5 billion, while imports from Syria decreased by 46% to $235 million. Thus, total trade volume reached $3.7 billion. However, high customs duties and rising logistics costs imposed by Syria negatively affect the competitiveness of our exporters. Improving customs practices, ensuring banking integration, and establishing joint economic zones are of great importance."

Tatari: "We will accelerate efforts to revitalize economic relations"

Syria–Türkiye Business Council Chairman Hüssam Eddin Tatari stated:
"Our goal is not only to enhance trade but also to establish a long-term strategic partnership based on mutual benefit. Our first concrete step is a jointly developed textile cooperation and integration plan, targeting an annual business volume of $7 billion. We also foresee the creation of 400,000 jobs in Syria and 50,000 in Türkiye. We will work to accelerate the legal and regulatory processes needed to strengthen economic relations."

Following the opening speeches, three panels titled "From Border to Market: Rebuilding Logistics Networks in Syria," "Restoring Financial Flows: Banking and Payment Systems in Syria," and "Reconstruction Drive: Contracting and Infrastructure Projects in Syria" were held, where business representatives from both countries discussed sector-specific opportunities for the future of Türkiye–Syria economic relations.

Forum sponsors included Altunkaya Construction, Özeller Group, Acarsan Holding, Kadooğlu Yağ, and Mahmood Coffee.