DP World and the Syrian General Authority of Ports and Customs are discussing accelerating the implementation of the Tartous Port development project

1 week ago

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Dubai, May 14, WAM / His Excellency Issa Kazim, Chairman of the Board of Directors of DP World, discussed with His Excellency Qutaiba Ahmed Badawi, Chairman of the General Authority of Ports and Customs in the Syrian Arab Republic, the latest developments in the implementation of the Tartous Port development project, in a way that enhances its role as a strategic gateway for maritime trade, and a major supporter of economic recovery efforts and revitalizing the trade movement in Syria.

During the meeting, the opportunities available to enhance the efficiency of infrastructure and logistics services were reviewed, thus enhancing the ability of the Port of Tartous to keep pace with the expected growth in trade and shipping traffic, and consolidating its position as a vital regional trade center linking southern Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa.

DP World’s plans to develop the port of Tartous form part of a 30-year concession agreement signed in July 2025 with the Syrian government, under which DP World is committed to investing US$800 million to develop the port’s infrastructure, expand its capacity, modernize cargo handling systems, as well as introduce advanced operational and digital solutions.

DP World Group places its capabilities and expertise at the heart of the efforts aimed at reviving the maritime sector and the Syrian economy in general, by accelerating the implementation of plans to develop the port of Tartous in a way that enhances its operational efficiency and its ability to handle multiple types of shipments, including general cargo, containers, bulk goods, and the movement of rolled goods, in a way that supports the expansion of Syria’s commercial capabilities.

His Excellency Issa Kazem stressed the commitment of the DP World Group to provide an effective contribution to the development of the Syrian maritime sector by modernizing the port of Tartous in accordance with the highest international operational standards, pointing out that the discussions focused on accelerating the implementation of the project and enhancing the role of the port in supporting the trade movement and connecting Syria more closely to regional and global markets.

He added that the redevelopment of Tartous Port represents a strategic step to restore vital trade corridors, stimulate economic activity, and raise the efficiency of operational processes, thus contributing to facilitating the movement of trade and supporting reconstruction and development efforts in Syria.

For his part, Radwan Sommer, Regional CEO and General Manager of DB World in the Indian Subcontinent, Central Asia, the Levant and Egypt, said that the development of Tartous Port represents an important station in the path of supporting economic recovery and strengthening the commercial infrastructure in Syria, and we are proud to contribute at this vital stage.

He added that DP World believes that sustainable infrastructure development is based on long-term partnerships and future vision, and the partnership with the Syrian General Authority of Ports and Customs represents an important opportunity to reshape the future of trade in Syria and the region as a whole, and rebuild a logistics system that supports economic growth in Syria.

The port of Tartous enjoys a vital geographical location on the Syrian coast overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, making it the second largest port in the country and a major sea gateway linking trade routes between Europe, the Levant, and North Africa.

This strategic location greatly enhances regional ties, complementing existing trade routes through the Bosphorus Strait and the Suez Canal.

In addition to the port itself, DP World is exploring opportunities to develop logistics zones, internal shipping centers and transit corridors in cooperation with local stakeholders, as part of a broader strategy to integrate the port of Tartous into regional and global supply chains.

With operations in more than 80 countries, and handling approximately 10% of global container traffic, DP World has extensive experience in developing large-scale logistics infrastructure, and the Tartous project is a valuable addition to the group’s growing portfolio of projects in the Middle East, and reflects its focus on emerging trade corridors as drivers of long-term growth.

It is noteworthy that trade relations between the United Arab Emirates and Syria are witnessing increasing growth, as the volume of non-oil trade exchange between the two countries reached about 1.4 billion US dollars during the year 2025, recording a record increase of 132.4% compared to the previous year. This exceptional growth reflects mutual trust and the common will to build a more interconnected and prosperous economic partnership.