Following the signing of a new comprehensive partnership agreement, Türkiye aims to reach over $2 billion (TL 80 billion) in exports to neighboring Syria this year, according to Celal Kadooğlu, the chair of the Syrian board of the Turkish Exporters' Assembly (TIM), on Wednesday.
Kadooğlu, in a statement, recalled that a deal was signed with the Damascus and Aleppo chambers of commerce, while the Syrian board of TIM met with a delegation from the country’s Economy and Industry Ministry to discuss Turkish-Syrian trade relations and investment.
"Our ministry is trying to replace the free trade agreement between Türkiye and Syria that has not been implemented since 2011 (when the civil war began) with a much more comprehensive agreement," he said.
"Turkish exports to Syria rose 49.3% to over $1.2 billion in the first seven months of the year," he added.
"We expect Turkish exports to Syria to reach above $2 billion by the end of the year."
Kadooğlu said that the grain sector maintained its leading position among total imports, but there has been significant activity in the chemical, aquatic and animal products sectors, as well as in the electrical and electronic goods industry.
"We will participate in the 62nd Damascus International Fair to be held on Aug. 27-Sept. 5 with our Turkish booth," he also said. "We believe this event will present opportunities for mutual investments."
