The representatives of the Turkish business neighborhood, together with a few of the high associations, stay longing for Syria’s future following the autumn of the regime of Bashar Assad, pointing to a “window of opportunity” though cautioning it is perhaps too early to make sure concerning the state of affairs within the war-torn southeastern neighbor.
Mustafa Gültepe, head of the Türkiye Exporters Assembly (TIM), informed Anadolu Agency (AA) that Syria entered a brand new period this week, and whereas it’s troublesome to guess the course of occasions, he mentioned he hoped this period would carry peace and tranquility to the area.
He mentioned Syria is a extremely vital marketplace for Türkiye, given the 2 international locations share a border of some 900 kilometers (560 miles).
“We started working toward increasing our foreign trade volume of $1.4 billion in 2008 -before the (2011) civil war – to $5 billion, and although the war hurt our efforts, Turkish exports to Syria continued,” he mentioned.
“Turkish exports to Syria in 2011 totaled $1.6 billion, but this figure dropped the next year to $498 million due to the civil war. However, we managed to reach and exceed the $2 billion limit in the 2021-2023 period, and this year, Turkish exports to Syria reached $1.9 billion in January-November, up 4.6% annually,” he added.
Gültepe mentioned the grain sector had the most important share of Turkish exports to Syria, with $457 million, adopted by the chemical substances sector with $151 million, electronics with $126 million, metal with $117 million, and aquaculture merchandise with $88 million.
“A peaceful Syria with a stable administration will positively contribute to exports in almost every sector,” he mentioned.
“Infrastructure in Syria almost completely collapsed throughout the civil war, and it will be rebuilt. I think the Turkish construction sector, with its immense experience around the world, can play a key role in the process,” he added.
‘Great window of alternative’
Abdulhamit Akçay, vice chairperson of the Turkish Cement, Glass, Ceramic and Soil Products Exporters’ Association, informed AA that it’s too early to make sure concerning the state of affairs but.
“If everything goes well, a great window of opportunity will be opened, especially for the construction and construction materials sectors in the coming period,” he mentioned.
Akçay famous that Syria retained its significance in cement exports even in the course of the civil conflict.
“We talk about annual exports of around 1.5 million tons despite the civil war, thanks to Türkiye’s efforts to create new life in the region while fighting terrorism,” he mentioned.
“Türkiye would certainly be the most effective player in the region considering its sacrifices over the last decade, and it will be the most important country in Syria’s reconstruction, though something like that won’t happen overnight, in that political stability needs to be established and a government needs to be formed,” he added.
Akçay estimated that 50-60 million tons of cement can be wanted to interchange the infrastructure destroyed by the civil conflict, with a minimal of 10 years required for this, stressing the necessity for brand spanking new export ports as current ones might not suffice.
He additionally highlighted that whereas reconstruction efforts for Türkiye’s earthquake-stricken area will proceed with out interruption, the cement manufacturing capability will likely be used for Syria’s reconstruction.
Hospitality facilitates financial ties
Kazım Taycı, chair of the Istanbul Cereals, Pulses, Oil Seeds and Products Exporters Association, mentioned that in the course of the civil conflict, Türkiye confirmed unparalleled hospitality to Syrians, which can now facilitate communication, particularly with Syrians who’ve discovered Turkish.
“Türkiye will play the most important role in the reconstruction of Syria and the economic, industrial and agricultural development of its people and it is natural since Syria has a border neighboring Türkiye,” he mentioned.
Çetin Tecdelioğlu, chair of the Istanbul Ferrous and Non-Ferrous Metals Exporters’ Association, in the meantime informed AA that Syria will want assist in power, meals, well being and training within the coming days and that it’s vital to cease terrorism within the area and produce peace.
“I think that Türkiye will be the right partner to take on these issues, especially in the iron and steel fields,” mentioned Tecdelioğlu.
He mentioned the formation of a authorities is essential earlier than the affiliation can monitor Syria’s wants carefully.
“Armature, hardware, aluminum, ferrous and non-ferrous metals are sectors that need to have an order since these have direct effects, and relevant ministries need to be formed, and for this, Türkiye will be the solution partner, though we need to see stability in Syria first and foremost,” he famous.
He mentioned Türkiye’s iron, metal and sheet metallic exports to Syria within the first 11 months of the yr topped $25.5 million.
He added that Türkiye’s exports of aluminum totaled $6.83 million, copper $2.2 million, kitchenware $23.5 million, development business $250.1 million, metallic casting $19.3 million, armature $8.1 million, {hardware} $56.2 million, and metallic packaging $3.5 million.
Source: www.dailysabah.com