A New Phase of Cooperation
A package of agreements and memoranda of understanding signed during French President Emmanuel Macron's visit to Damascus has opened what has been described as a new phase of economic and investment cooperation between Syria and France. The accords span transport, energy, health, education, finance and legal cooperation.
The chairman of the Syrian-French Business Council, Jamal Al-Din Al-Qasimi, said the agreements are intended to improve the investment climate and widen partnership opportunities between the two countries.
Ports, Rail and Logistics
Among the most prominent measures is a strategic partnership with shipping group CMA CGM to develop and operate a container terminal at the port of Latakia. The agreements also cover completing dry port projects in Damascus and Aleppo and establishing a logistics zone at the Nasib border crossing.
Additional provisions call for rehabilitating the rail links between the ports and inland logistics centers, along with a protocol for managing air cargo handling, tying maritime, land and air freight into a single corridor.
Health, Energy and Water
Beyond transport, the memoranda include cooperation with the French agency Expertise France on reconstruction, development and the health sector. A separate protocol with the company Nova Camp targets water treatment and energy projects.
Other agreements address civil aviation, higher education, legal cooperation and strengthening the capacity of Syrian financial institutions, as well as developing university hospitals and medical education.
An Investment Conference in Autumn
The Syrian-French Business Council said it is preparing a Syrian-French economic conference to be held in Damascus in autumn 2026, aimed at promoting partnerships and encouraging French firms to invest in the country.
The council added that it looks forward to expanding cooperation with both large and small French companies, positioning transport and logistics infrastructure as an early focus for the emerging partnership.