The Turkish-Syrian Businessmen Forum (B2B) began on October 12 at the Umayyad Hall of the Cham Palace Hotel in Damascus. The two-day event was organized by the Yusufoglu Group for International Relations and Exhibition and Conference Organization and brought together over 25 Turkish companies and factories specializing in construction, decoration, energy, textiles, and related industries.
The forum also saw the participation of a wide range of Syrian businessmen, investors, and representatives from various economic sectors, marking a significant step toward revitalizing trade and investment relations between the two countries.
Strategic Relations and Promising Partnerships
Burhan Kourouglu, Turkish ambassador in Damascus, emphasized that Syria’s reconstruction phase requires broad international cooperation, and that Turkey—with its advanced industrial and commercial experience—can play an important role in this process.
He highlighted that the recent visit of Syria’s Minister of Economy and Industry to Ankara resulted in important agreements in industrial and trade cooperation. Kourouglu noted that dozens of Turkish companies are currently visiting Syria to explore investment opportunities, describing these visits as part of a broader effort to expand bilateral economic partnership.
The ambassador also welcomed the US Senate’s majority vote to repeal a law that had limited regional economic engagement with Syria, saying the move could pave the way for greater economic openness and cooperation with neighboring countries.
Muhammad Ayman al-Molawi, president of the Damascus Chamber of Industry, described the forum as a key step toward developing joint investment projects. He stressed that cooperation in reconstruction and manufacturing can generate mutual economic benefits and contribute to regional stability.
Boosting Agricultural Cooperation
Muhammad Jinan, president of the Damascus Chamber of Agriculture, announced the signing of a joint cooperation agreement between the Chamber and the Yusufoglu Group to enhance economic and agricultural ties.
The agreement includes provisions for exporting Syrian agricultural products to Turkey and importing agricultural supplies and technology. Jinan added that the initiative aims to strengthen local production through Turkish expertise in modern irrigation and agricultural mechanization. Preparations are also underway for a Turkish agricultural exhibition in Damascus, which will further facilitate experience exchange and modernization of Syria’s agricultural sector.
Building Economic Bridges for the Future
Hamza Yusufoglu, president of the Yusufoglu Group for International Relations and Investment, said the forum represents the culmination of ongoing efforts to build solid economic bridges between the two nations.
He explained that it is time to move from dialogue to practical and direct cooperation, aligning mutual interests and contributing to regional stability. Yusufoglu noted that his group has conducted five months of exploratory visits to Syria to assess local market needs, identify investment opportunities, and attract Turkish companies eager to re-enter the Syrian market.
The forum’s conclusion saw the signing of several economic agreements between Syrian and Turkish companies, laying the groundwork for new industrial and commercial partnerships.
