Damascus: Essa Kazim, Chairman of DP World, met with Qutaiba Ahmed Badawi, Chairman of Syria's General Authority for Borders and Customs (GABC), to discuss the progression of the Port of Tartous development. The project is central to enhancing the port's role as a strategic maritime gateway, aiding in Syria's economic recovery and increasing trade activity.
According to Emirates News Agency, the meeting highlighted opportunities to improve infrastructure and logistics efficiency at the Port of Tartous. These developments are meant to prepare the port for an anticipated rise in trade and cargo volume, solidifying its status as a crucial regional gateway connecting Southern Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa.
The development of the Port of Tartous is part of a 30-year concession agreement signed in July 2025 between DP World and the Syrian government. Under this agreement, DP World has pledged to invest $800 million in upgrading infrastructure, expanding capacity, and incorporating modern cargo-handling and digital systems.
DP World is leveraging its extensive capabilities to rejuvenate Syria's maritime sector and broader economy. By expediting the Port of Tartous development, DP World aims to enhance its operational efficiency and capacity to handle various cargo types, thus expanding Syria's trade potential.
Essa Kazim expressed DP World's commitment to contributing significantly to the modernisation of Tartous port, aligning with international operational standards. He emphasized the importance of accelerating implementation to boost the port's role in trade and strengthen Syria's trade connections.
Rizwan Soomar, CEO and MD of DP World for the Subcontinent, Central Asia, Levant, and Egypt, stated that the Port of Tartous development is crucial for Syria's economic recovery and modernisation of trade infrastructure. He highlighted the importance of long-term collaboration and foresight in meaningful infrastructure development.
Located on Syria's Mediterranean coast, the Port of Tartous serves as a key maritime gateway to trade routes in Europe, the Levant, and North Africa, enhancing regional connectivity. DP World is also exploring opportunities to develop logistics zones, inland freight hubs, and transit corridors to integrate the port into regional and global supply chains.
With operations in over 80 countries, DP World handles about 10 percent of global container traffic, bringing extensive experience in large-scale logistics infrastructure development. The Tartous project is part of its expanding Middle East portfolio, focusing on emerging trade corridors as growth drivers.
Trade relations between the UAE and Syria are on the rise, with non-oil trade reaching a record $1.4 billion in 2025, marking a significant 132.4 percent year-on-year increase, reflecting mutual trust and a commitment to a prosperous economic partnership.