Syria’s Tartus port seen as Hormuz trade alternative
President Ahmad Al-Sharaa says Tartus could strengthen Syria’s role as regional trade corridor linking Gulf markets with Europe
DAMASCUS, Syria (MNTV) — Syrian President Ahmad Al-Sharaa has said the country’s Tartus port could provide an alternative trade route to the Strait of Hormuz, as regional disruptions increase pressure to develop other commercial corridors.
Al-Sharaa described Syria as a potential link between eastern and western markets, pointing to the planned development of Tartus and its connection with the UAE’s Jebel Ali port.
The comments came as disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz have increased interest in alternative routes for regional trade.
The UAE’s DP World announced earlier this month an $800 million investment program aimed at transforming Tartus port. The project could strengthen connections between the Syrian Mediterranean coast and major Gulf logistics hubs, including Jebel Ali.
Al-Sharaa said Syria’s geographic position gives it opportunities to become a transit route for trade between the Gulf, Europe and other markets.
He also said Gulf and European countries had shown interest in investing in Syria as the country works to rebuild its economy and infrastructure.
The Syrian president also highlighted agriculture as another area with potential for regional investment. He said Syria has the capacity to produce food for its own population while developing surplus production that could help meet demand in Gulf markets.
Al-Sharaa acknowledged that Syria is facing economic difficulties and said the country would experience further shocks during its transition.
He described the current period as a shift toward a system based on free trade and rebuilding state institutions after decades of what he characterized as administrative mismanagement and inadequate planning.
He said Syria’s economic recovery would depend heavily on regional stability, arguing that a more secure environment would allow investment, trade and reconstruction to expand.
He also said Damascus was seeking to reduce the effects of regional conflicts while working with neighboring Arab countries on solutions.
Al-Sharaa said Syria’s economy was worth about $20 billion in 2014 and projected it could reach $50 billion in 2026 and return to its 2010 level of about $60 billion in 2027 if regional conditions remain stable.
His remarks came as Syria faced domestic economic pressure following a government decision to raise fuel prices by as much as 40 percent.
Protests were reported in several parts of the country, with demonstrators objecting to higher living costs and calling for the increases to be reversed.
Syria has also begun developing its role as a potential transit route during disruptions affecting established regional energy and trade networks.
Earlier this year, Iraqi oil exports began moving through Syria toward the Mediterranean, adding to efforts to position Syrian ports as gateways between landlocked regional markets and international shipping routes.
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