Uzbekistan to gain access to oceans through Syria

On February 12, Tashkent hosted the first Uzbekistan–Syria Business Forum and B2B meetings between entrepreneurs from the two countries. Nearly 200 business representatives from industries including manufacturing, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, textiles, logistics, construction, electrical engineering, and tourism took part.

There are several reasons why these developments can be described as historic. Representatives of Syria’s business elite from eight major provinces visited Tashkent with the goal of increasing trade turnover from zero to contracts worth millions of dollars. Syria is currently undergoing reconstruction, and products branded “Made in Uzbekistan” are expected to become key drivers in this process.

The forum, organized by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Uzbekistan, was led by A’la Umar al-Ali, President of the Federation of Syrian Chambers of Commerce. The delegation also included Syria’s Deputy Minister of Economy and Industry, as well as the heads of chambers of commerce and industry from Damascus, Homs, Daraa, Tartus, Latakia, Hama, Deir ez-Zor, and Idlib, along with representatives of sectoral associations and businesses. This highlighted the scale of the negotiations.

The visit, scheduled for February 11–16, has opened a “new chapter” in economic cooperation. It represents not just a forum but a strategic opportunity for Uzbek products to enter the Syrian market during the country’s reconstruction period.

The President of the Federation of Syrian Chambers of Commerce said Uzbekistan would be offered preferential conditions for access to foreign markets through the ports of Tartus and Latakia.

“Of course, we are open to all countries of the world, but Uzbekistan is very important to us as the heart of Central Asia. We are open to cooperation between Syria and Uzbekistan in all areas. We are ready to provide any benefits and conveniences in ports, border checkpoints, or customs issues that serve the interests of both countries,” the Syrian official said.

He added that incentives would also be provided for major Uzbek entrepreneurs to open factories or launch production in Syria.

“Syria is currently a very attractive and largely untapped market for trade and industry, with relatively low labor costs. If Uzbek entrepreneurs begin operating in Syria, land plots in free economic zones will be offered at affordable prices, with the option to pay for the land in installments over five years. From here, exporting products to all Arab countries and Europe is easy and cost-effective,” A’la Umar al-Ali said.

Why the Syrian market matters for Uzbekistan

Syria is currently in a phase of infrastructure reconstruction and is highly dependent on imports. By the end of 2025, Syria’s total imports amounted to approximately $5.5–6 billion. The Syrian market has demand for Uzbek products, particularly in the following sectors:

• Food products: More than 60 percent of legumes, flour, and processed foods are imported.
• Textiles and yarn: Although Syria is known for its garment industry, it needs competitive raw materials, which Uzbekistan can supply.
• Construction materials: Electrical equipment, cable products, and metallurgical goods are critical for rebuilding the country.

Syria imports more than $1 billion worth of textile and agricultural products annually. For Uzbek entrepreneurs, this represents a gateway to the Arab world and access to Mediterranean ports.

In addition to trade, the forum also addressed industrial cooperation, including the creation of joint ventures. Syria has expressed readiness to apply Uzbekistan’s experience, particularly in pharmaceuticals and construction.

The appointment of two permanent trade advisers in Syria by Uzbekistan’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry is expected to serve as a “green corridor” for Uzbek exporters. This will help establish direct logistics chains and allow Central Asian products to reach Middle Eastern markets via Mediterranean ports.