Mr. Qutaiba Badawi, Director General of the General Authority for Ports and Customs, headed an official delegation on a visit to the Republic of Turkey. The delegation included assistants to the Director General, several central administration officials, as well as Mr. Alaa Al-Ali, President of the Federation of Syrian Chambers of Commerce, and his deputy. The visit aims to enhance economic and trade cooperation, and explore investment and partnership opportunities between the two countries.Upon arrival, the delegation was received by an official Turkish delegation, alongside Mr. Fadi Al-Qasim, the Chargé d'Affaires of the Embassy of the Syrian Arab Republic in Ankara.The visit program commenced with a meeting with Mr. Youssef Hassan Khalawi, Chairman of the Board of Directors of "Bumaco" Company and Secretary-General of the Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Development, along with the company’s working team. "Bumaco" had previously signed a memorandum of understanding to implement the Free Zone project in Idlib Governorate. During the meeting, both parties discussed the executive steps for the project, reviewed available investment opportunities, and explored mechanisms to attract companies and capital to participate in developing and operating the zone.An expanded meeting was also held with a group of Turkish businessmen and investors. During this session, the delegation delivered a presentation on the investment environment in Syria, available opportunities within Syrian free zones, and the facilitations and procedures that the Syrian government is working to provide for investors.The Director General of the General Authority for Ports and Customs emphasized the significance of the Idlib Free Zone project, describing it as a strategic venture that would stimulate commercial and industrial activity, generate job opportunities, and boost trade exchange between Syria and Turkey. He noted the Authority's keenness to prepare the necessary administrative, technical, and logistical environment to ensure the project's success.In another phase of the visit, the delegation visited the Turkish Chamber of Shipping in Istanbul, where they met with Mr. Tamer Kıran, Chairman of the Chamber's Board of Directors, along with several Chamber officials and representatives of companies operating in maritime transport, shipping, and logistical services.The two sides discussed prospects for cooperation in developing maritime navigation, enhancing connectivity between Syrian ports and regional and international transport networks, and exchanging expertise in maritime and port fields. They also discussed encouraging Turkish companies to invest in the maritime transport, port services, and logistics sectors in Syria
22/7/2026
