The annual conference of the General Authority of the International Federation of Freight Forwarders was held in the Syrian capital, Damascus, with the participation of representatives from the public and private sectors, as well as Arab and international transport organizations. The conference focused on developing the transport sector and strengthening Syria’s role as a regional and international logistics hub.
Integrated Development and International Partnerships
The conference aims to develop the transport sector, including land, sea, and air, and raise the standard and protection of the profession, in addition to supporting the signing of regional and international agreements. It also seeks to modernize the fleet and reduce the cost of services, thus enhancing Syria’s benefit from its strategic geographic location.
Old Challenges and Development Priorities
Syrian Minister of Transport, Yarub Badr, emphasized the transport sector is a vital lever for the national economy, contributing between 9% and 15% of the gross domestic product (GDP) and providing thousands of job opportunities. However, he pointed to significant challenges, most notably the age of the fleet, with 74% of heavy trucks being over 20 years old, limiting their efficiency and hindering their entry into neighboring and European markets.
Comprehensive National Policy and Legislative Updates
Badr explained that the Ministry is working to develop a comprehensive national policy including updating legislation, establishing an independent regulatory body, and launching a unified electronic platform to connect carriers with investors and traders. He also stressed the importance of fleet modernization and providing support to truck drivers and owners to ensure the continuity of this vital sector.
The Federation’s Role and International Partners
For his part, the President of the Federation of Freight Forwarding Companies, Muhammad Kishore, indicated the conference represents an important step towards developing the sector after the liberalization phase, emphasizing the Federation’s work to remove obstacles in cooperation with local and international entities. For her part, DHL representative Kholoud Halabi emphasized the importance of developing legislation and infrastructure for multi-modal transport, strengthening Syria’s position as a bridge between East and West.
Promoting Economic Integration
The conference witnessed the signing of cooperation agreements between the Syrian Federation, the Turkish Transport Authority (UND), and the Jordanian Logistics Association (JLA), with the aim of strengthening cooperation in the field of land transport, freight, and logistics services. The Turkish Ambassador to Damascus, Burhan Koroglu, emphasized the importance of these initiatives in promoting integration among countries in the region.
The conference sets an ambitious roadmap for modernizing Syria’s transport sector, focusing on regional cooperation and overcoming obstacles, seeking to maximize Syria’s unique geographical location and enhance its role as a key player in the international transport network.
