Syria, Turkey discuss port operations, free zone development
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – A delegation from Syria’s General Authority of Ports and Customs on Friday held talks with officials in Turkey’s Mersin Province on developing free zones, attracting investment and boosting bilateral trade.
The delegation, headed by Qutaiba Badawi, met with Mersin Governor Atila Toros as part of an official visit to the province, according to the authority.
The discussions focused on benefiting from Turkey’s experience in developing free zones and improving their ability to attract investors and support trade.
The delegation also visited Mersin Port, where it reviewed port management and operations, cargo and container handling, logistics services and technologies used to manage ship and cargo traffic.
It also examined infrastructure and equipment aimed at improving operational efficiency and facilitating maritime trade.
During a visit to the Mersin Free Zone, the delegation reviewed services provided to investors and the organization of commercial, industrial and logistics activities. Officials discussed ways Syria could benefit from the Turkish experience in developing similar zones and attracting investment.
The delegation also met Syrian and Turkish businesspeople to discuss bilateral trade, investment opportunities, facilitating the movement of goods and strengthening cooperation between the two countries’ business communities.
The visit follows talks held in Ankara on July 22 between the General Authority of Ports and Customs and Turkish Trade Minister Ömer Bolat. The meeting addressed economic and trade relations and areas of potential cooperation between Syria and Turkey.