Ankara, February 12, 2025 – The Europe Today: In a significant move to bolster economic ties, Türkiye has introduced new regulations governing trade with Syria, following the swift fall of Bashar al-Assad. The Turkish Trade Ministry announced on Tuesday that the policy overhaul replaces older, restrictive measures tied to Syria’s previous regime, marking a new era of economic collaboration between the two nations.
Dated February 8, the updated regulation aims to ease restrictions on exports, transit, and imports, aligning Syria’s trade conditions with those applied to other countries. According to a statement from the ministry, the changes are designed to facilitate smoother commercial exchanges and enhance regional economic integration.
Under the new framework, restrictions on exports and transit shipments to Syria via the Turkish Customs Zone have been lifted. Goods transported from Türkiye to Syria will now be handled under the same conditions as those applied to trade with other nations, ensuring a more standardized and efficient process.
Furthermore, the regulation liberalizes transit procedures for items leaving Syria for third countries, with the exception of scrap metal. This adjustment is expected to enhance the flow of goods and reduce bureaucratic hurdles, fostering a more seamless trade environment.
Imports from Syria have also been normalized, with previously restricted goods now subject to standard customs and safety protocols. The new regulation removes prior permission-based requirements, allowing Syrian products to be treated equally with goods from other nations in terms of customs duties, product safety inspections, and related regulations.
The Turkish Trade Ministry emphasized that these regulatory changes are part of broader efforts to create an open and integrated trade environment between Ankara and post-Assad Damascus. “The roadmap created by our government in line with the agreement reached with Syria regarding the new period is being implemented step by step,” the ministry stated.
This policy shift signals a renewed economic partnership between the two nations and underscores Türkiye’s commitment to fostering stability and growth in the region.
