Call from Syria to Turkish investors: 'The closest country for investment is Türkiye'

MÜSİAD EXPO 2026 International Trade Fair, organized by the Independent Industrialists' and Businessmen's Association (MÜSİAD), continues to bring together manufacturers, leading brands and international buyers from different sectors in Istanbul.

The event, of which Anadolu Agency (AA) is the "Global Communication Partner", is organized in an area of ​​approximately 25 thousand square meters at the Istanbul Expo Center, with the participation of 369 companies from 18 different sectors.

Speaking to AA correspondent within the scope of the fair, Ali Alhamad, Public Relations Manager of the Industrial and Craft Zones Directorate of the Syrian Ministry of Local Governments and Environment, stated that Turkish investors will play a critical role in the post-war recovery process and made evaluations about new industrial zones, legal reforms and infrastructure projects to be implemented in the country.

Stating that a comprehensive reform process has been initiated to remove the bureaucratic obstacles and restrictive legislation inherited from the past, Alhamad said, "You know the issue, many restrictive laws were introduced during the old regime. Investors were not allowed to enter Syria. However, there are currently many laws being prepared to support investors and the closest country for us is Turkey. We are excited and have a plan. We will be able to invest together and Turkish investors will be able to invest within their own projects." he said.

Alhamad stated that priority was given to the rehabilitation of energy and transportation networks, which were heavily damaged during the war, and said that after the infrastructure deficiencies are eliminated, the regional economy will be revived and the commercial relations between the two countries will gain momentum, thanks to the bridging investments to be established between Turkish business people and Syrian entrepreneurs.

Reminding that the country has emerged from a difficult 14-year war period, Alhamad emphasized that they have been working intensively to re-establish security and stability in the region for the last 2 years, and that they continue to resolve the current concerns and problems step by step.

Pointing out that the safe environment that will be established over time will open a great window of opportunity for both Syrians and Turkish investors, Alhamad stated that Syrians who once took refuge in Türkiye will play a critical role in the success of this process by serving as a bridge in commercial activities in their own country.

Alhamad noted that Turkish investors are currently doing infrastructure and market research in many sectors, especially textile, and said that the doors are wide open for entrepreneurs and great opportunities are offered in every sector.

Stating that they aim to establish industrial zones and infrastructure facilities in various cities, especially Raqqa, Aleppo and Idlib, taking Türkiye's organized industrial zone (OIZ) model as an example, Alhamad stated that they want to reach 380 zones in total with the OIZs to be added to the existing 173 points, and that the first OIZs planned in this direction will become operational within 1-2 years.