Turkey Lifts Trade Restrictions with Syria to Enhance Economic Ties

Turkey has lifted trade and transit restrictions with Syria, effective February 11, 2025, as part of efforts to strengthen economic ties after the fall of Bashar al-Assad. Import and export goods will now follow the same rules applied to other countries. This decision represents a renewed commitment to support Syria’s rebuilding efforts and revise customs tariffs and trade agreements.

On February 11, 2025, Turkey’s trade ministry announced the lifting of trade and transit restrictions with Syria at their shared border. This significant decision is part of Turkey’s strategy to enhance trade relations following the exit of Bashar al-Assad from power. The ministry indicated that goods imported and exported, as well as those transiting through Syrian crossings, will now adhere to the same regulations as those with other nations.

Turkey severed its connections with Damascus after the onset of the Syrian civil war in 2011. Following the recent political changes in Syria, Ankara has increased its interactions with the new administration, expressing its commitment to assist in reconstruction efforts.

The two countries’ new governments have also agreed to review customs tariffs on specific products and to initiate discussions aimed at re-establishing a free trade agreement that was suspended back in 2011.

In summary, Turkey has lifted trade restrictions with Syria to promote economic cooperation and aid in rebuilding the war-torn nation after the fall of Assad. This marks a new chapter in bilateral relations, with plans to re-evaluate customs tariffs and potentially resume a free trade agreement. Such steps highlight Turkey’s proactive approach to fostering trade ties with its neighbor.

Original Source: www.jpost.com