Izmir: The Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges (TOBB) is preparing a delegation to visit Damascus to explore ways to contribute to Syria's reconstruction and revive its private sector and entrepreneurship, TOBB President Rifat Hisarciklioglu said Monday. Speaking at the Turkish-Arab Chamber of Commerce Board Meeting and Business Forum in Izmir, Hisarciklioglu noted how the world is going through a difficult period and that Israel's aggressive policies in Gaza and the region directly threaten peace and stability.

According to Anadolu Agency, Hisarciklioglu expressed satisfaction with the normalization process in Syria. He announced that TOBB plans to visit Damascus in three days to support Syria's reconstruction and revitalize its private sector and entrepreneurship. The recent decision by the EU and the US to lift economic sanctions on Syria is seen as a positive step towards the country's economic development.

Hisarciklioglu also highlighted the progress in trade relations with Arab countries over recent years. He noted that 20 years ago, Trkiye's exports to Arab countries were only $5 billion, accounting for 10% of Trkiye's exports. In 2024, this figure exceeded $50 billion, reaching 20% of the total exports.

The meeting, held at the Izmir Chamber of Commerce, was attended by TOBB President Rifat Hisarciklioglu, Arab Chambers Union President Samir Majoul, Arab Chambers Union Secretary General Khaled Hanafy, ambassadors, and more than 100 businesspeople from 15 Arab countries.