Ankara: The Trkiye-Syria transit corridor is set to become operational next year, enabling Turkish trucks to travel to Jordan and Gulf countries by road, as announced by the Turkish trade minister. The corridor's launch hinges on resolving issues such as visa and road rehabilitation in Syria.

According to Anadolu Agency, Omer Bolat, the Turkish trade minister, highlighted that while Turkish trucks can currently traverse Syria to reach Jordan and the Gulf following a deal signed in June, there are ongoing efforts to address customs regulations, road rehabilitation, and visa regulations within Syria. The agreement between the Turkish and Syrian transport ministers has generated significant interest in Jordan, considering the route's strategic importance in trade and transportation from Trkiye to Europe via Jordan and Syria.

Bolat emphasized the potential for increased trade and prosperity with the development of roads and railways. Additionally, Trkiye and Jordan are coordinating efforts to repair and renew the Hejaz railway, which would enhance both freight and passenger transport. The first round of meetings for the Trkiye-Jordan Joint Economic Commission concluded with a memorandum outlining future collaborative endeavors in various sectors including trade, industry, agriculture, services, tourism, and culture.

The trade minister noted that the mutual trade volume between Trkiye and Jordan reached $1.1 billion in 2024, and has exceeded $1.4 billion this year, with expectations to surpass $1.6 billion by year-end. Bolat also mentioned the involvement of Turkish businesspeople and contractors in Jordan's upcoming $15 billion development infrastructure projects, which include a significant water project and railway construction. To date, Turkish contractors have completed 60 projects valued at $2.3 billion in Jordan, with further increases in trade anticipated to bolster investments.