Türkiye and Syria Sign Landmark Economic Integration Protocol Targeting $10 Billion Trade Volume

Türkiye and Syria formalize a JETCO roadmap to boost trade to $10 billion, featuring a new Aleppo industrial zone and strategic regulatory alignment.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 7, 2026, 9:45 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Anadolu Agency

A Strategic Roadmap for Regional Reconstruction

In a move described by officials as a historical turning point, Türkiye and Syria signed a bilateral protocol on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, aimed at deepening economic integration and fostering regional stability. Turkish Trade Minister Omer Bolat characterized the agreement as a vital framework for reconstruction and development following years of regional volatility. The protocol, finalized during the First Term Meeting of the Türkiye-Syria Joint Economic and Trade Committee (JETCO) in Istanbul, marks the successful completion of a process initiated in Ankara in August 2025. Both nations expressed a firm determination to build a balanced and sustainable trade partnership based on mutual trust.

Targeting Aggressive Growth in Bilateral Trade

The primary objective of the new protocol is to significantly scale the financial relationship between the two neighbors. Bilateral trade reached $3.7 billion last year, and the new roadmap sets an immediate target of $5 billion, with a long-term goal of $10 billion. Minister Bolat noted that the two countries discussed a wide array of solutions and mechanisms to achieve these milestones, focusing on high-impact sectors including textiles, food, machinery, and agriculture. To ensure stability in these markets, both parties agreed to share information on regulatory frameworks, providing much-needed predictability for investors and agricultural exporters.

Industrial Expansion and the Aleppo Development Project

A central pillar of the integration plan is the establishment of a specialized industrial zone in Aleppo. Syrian Economy and Industry Minister Mohammad Nidal al-Shaar confirmed that work on the project is currently being spearheaded by regional industrialists. This zone is expected to serve as a catalyst for broader business environment improvements and the realization of secondary infrastructure projects. Minister Shaar emphasized that the relationship between Türkiye and Syria extends beyond simple commerce, encompassing cultural services and social fields, which provides a unique foundation for expanding industrial cooperation.