Ankara: Turkish exports to Syria climbed 54.31% year-on-year in the Dec. 8-Aug. 17 period, Trkiye's Trade Ministry announced on Wednesday.

According to Anadolu Agency, the Trade Ministry stated that Trkiye is Syria's largest trading partner. The ministry emphasized its ongoing efforts to sustainably increase bilateral trade with Syria. This commitment was highlighted by the visit of Syrian Minister of Economy and Industry Nidal Shaar and his delegation to Trkiye on Aug. 5-6.

During the visit, eighteen memorandums of understanding were signed. These included the creation of the Trkiye-Syria Joint Economic and Trade Committee (JETCO) and the Trkiye-Syria Business Council. The ministry announced that nearly 100 Turkish companies, led by Trade Minister Omer Bolat, are set to participate in the Damascus International Trade Fair, scheduled from Aug. 27 to September. Trkiye plans to open a 1,000-square-meter Turkish pavilion at the event.

The Trade Ministry highlighted the organization of a high-level trade delegation by the Turkish Exporters' Assembly for the Damascus International Fair. Leading companies from the sector are expected to strongly participate.

The ministry also pointed out that Syria's temporary import restrictions on certain agricultural products and chicken meat apply universally to all countries. The Syrian Land and Sea Ports Authority decided on July 27 to impose these restrictions for August only, affecting products such as tomatoes, cucumbers, potatoes, and various fruits and meats.