Syria announced a Free Trade Zone in Idlib Province

In Syria, the governor of Idlib, Mohammed Abdul Rahman, officially announced on Saturday, June 14, the beginning of construction for a Free Trade Zone, which will be built near the city of Saraqeb.

The announcement was made together with Qutaiba Badawi, head of the General Authority of Land and Maritime Ports, after the most suitable site for the project had been determined, based on rigorous technical and engineering criteria.

According to Abdul Rahman, this initiative represents a key strategic step to foster a favorable economic environment for private investment, boost trade in the region, and create job opportunities for the local population.

The Free Trade Zone is part of an ambitious comprehensive development plan that seeks to revitalize the country's economy after the fall of the socialist dictator Bashar al-Assad's regime.

Additionally, the governor reported that the creation of a second free zone specializing in automobile exhibition and trade was agreed upon. The goal is to organize and expand this sector, considered vital, while providing a solid legal framework that allows merchants to safely expand their operations.

Abdul Rahman emphasized that Idlib province is making steady progress toward full economic recovery by promoting private initiatives.

Within the same framework, during an expanded meeting held in Idlib, the general aspects of the new project were discussed, which aims to become a high-level logistics and commercial center.

Its objectives include connecting the governorate with regional transportation networks, streamlining the movement of goods, reducing import tariffs, boosting small and medium-sized industries, and strengthening import and export activities.

Meanwhile, Qutaiba Badawi highlighted that this Free Trade Zone constitutes one of the essential pillars of the Authority's plan to modernize port infrastructure and border crossings, as well as to strengthen trade relations with neighboring countries.

He indicated that the choice of land east of Idlib was due to its strategic location, close to key international routes, making it an ideal site to become a central economic hub.

Pro-market reforms in Syria

This project is part of a series of economic measures promoted by the new regime of Ahmed al-Sharaa with the aim of boosting the country's recovery and promoting private investment so that it contributes to long-term stability and development.

In parallel, the new Syrian regime also announced free market reforms, economic opening and deregulation, privatization of state-owned companies, and the dismissal of thousands of public employees.