The Anatolia Summit for City Economies opened Tuesday in Gaziantep, southern Turkey, bringing together senior officials and business leaders from Syria and Turkey to advance long-term economic cooperation focused on reconstruction, investment and cross-border development.
Reconstruction and Investment Take Center Stage
Hosted by Gaziantep University at the Mavira Congress and Art Center, the summit began with a documentary highlighting the historic commercial ties between Gaziantep and Aleppo, two cities that once served as major hubs along the Silk Road. Syria’s Minister of Economy and Industry, Dr. Nidal al-Shaar, described Turkey as a “natural partner” for Syria, emphasizing that the two countries share deep historical, cultural and economic connections.
Addressing Turkish investors, Shaar invited Turkish banks to establish branches in Syria and encouraged companies to view the Syrian market as an opportunity for long-term partnership rather than short-term gains. “Entering the Syrian market should be with the mindset of a partner in construction and development, not just for executing temporary deals,” Shaar said.
He stressed Syria’s economic recovery depends on sustained cooperation noting the country offers a young and skilled workforce, accumulated expertise and significant resources. According to Shaar, several Turkish companies already resumed operations, particularly in Aleppo, while others are completing registration and licensing procedures.
Shaar added that Damascus seeks to elevate economic relations with Ankara to a strategic level, arguing that stronger economic growth in Syria would also benefit Turkey because of their closely linked geographic and commercial interests.
Trade Expansion and Banking Agreements
Turkish Trade Minister Omer Bolat reaffirmed Ankara’s support for Damascus emphaszing bilateral trade has already exceeded $3 billion. He expressed confidence that trade volume could reach $5 billion in the near future, with an increase to $10 billion by the early 2030s.
Bolat announced Turkey is prepared to open the Nusaybin border crossing and is coordinating with Syrian authorities to modernize border gates along the shared frontier. He also said the Islahiye railway crossing connecting Gaziantep with Syria is expected to open soon.
In a significant development, Bolat revealed that Turkey and Syria reached an agreement to facilitate the opening of Turkish banks in Syria. Feasibility studies and legal preparations are currently underway. He also noted that Turkish business organizations, including TUSIAD, started establishing branches in Syria.
Shared Prosperity Along the Border
Mahmoud Shihadeh, deputy governor of Aleppo, echoed calls for closer economic integration and said the prosperity of border cities remains essential for stability and sustainable development. Turkish Ambassador to Damascus Nuh Yilmaz described the relationship as strategically important, saying Turkey serves as Syria’s gateway to European and global markets, while Syria provides Turkey with a key logistics corridor to the Middle East and the Arabian Gulf.
Gaziantep Governor Kemal Ceber highlighted the strong social and historical bonds between the two peoples calling for future cooperation grounded in realism, friendship and shared interests. He also noted Aleppo’s economic success has historically contributed to Gaziantep’s prosperity, underscoring the enduring connection between the neighboring cities.
