Damascus, Sept. 20 (SANA)The fourth edition of the International Forum and Exhibition for Transport, Freight, and Logistics Services (CargoSyr 2026) opened Sunday at theDamascus Fairgroundsunder the theme “Transport: A Driver for Regional Integration,” running through September 22.

Organized by Masarat for Exhibitions and Conferences under the auspices of the Ministry of Transport, the event features around 75 local, Arab, and international entities from Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, and Germany across 60 pavilions.

The opening ceremony was attended by Minister of Transport Yarub Badr and President of the General Authority of Civil Aviation and Air Transport Omar Hosari.

The accompanying international forum includes specialized panel discussions, workshops, business meetings and presentations on investment opportunities and modern solutions in transport and logistics.

Transport Minister Yarub Badr said Syria and the Levant’s geographic location positions them as a key hub in international trade corridors, particularly with growing trade exchange between regional countries and emerging economies.

Badr noted that Syria’s geographic importance is reinforced by four main factors: the region’s history as a primary trade corridor between the Arabian Peninsula and Europe, the recovery Syria, its society, and its economy are witnessing, and the disruptions facing some international trade routes creating a need for alternative, safe and sustainable corridors.

He highlighted global economic shifts and the rise of emerging powers playing an increasing role in international trade, particularlyTürkiyeandGulf statesled bySaudi Arabia, which are reshaping trade routes between Asia, Europe and the region, and underscoring the importance of developing road, sea, air and rail transport and related infrastructure.

Air freight, airport development

President of the General Authority of Civil Aviation and Air Transport Omar Hosari said developing air freight and logistics is an essential part of the vision to advance Syria’s civil aviation sector and support the economy, trade and investment, noting that work has moved from planning to implementation.

Hosari said the Damascus International Airport development and operation project includes developing the air freight and logistics system in cooperation with the international consortium led by Orbacon Holding, with a vision to transform the airport into an integrated center for passenger and cargo movement and aviation-related services.

He added that air freight and logistics are part of the Aleppo International Airport development project in cooperation with Ilaf Investment Fund, enhancing the airport’s role in serving northern Syria and linking it to transport networks and regional markets.

Hosari said the authority has signed a strategic partnership with France’s CMA CGM Air Cargo to develop air freight capabilities, transfer operational expertise and expand connectivity with international markets and freight networks.

This partnership complements agreements signed in the transport and logistics sector, including international freight facilities, dry ports and logistics zones, strengthening Syria’s connection to regional andinternational trade, he said.

Regional cooperation, investment opportunities

Masarat Director General Anas Dabian said the goal of this edition is to bring together government bodies, business, investors and project owners, allowing Syrian companies and their Arab and international counterparts to exchange expertise and explore investment opportunities.

Lebanon’s Director General of Land and Maritime Transport Mazen Basbous stressed the importance of integration between road, sea and air transport in supportingeconomic growth, trade and supply chain stability.

He noted the importance of cooperation between Lebanon, Syria and Gulf states to develop land, sea and air corridors and link them to logistics facilities, zones and border crossings to reduce time and costs and improve cargo flow, affirming Lebanon’s readiness to cooperate in developing a safe, integrated and sustainable transport system and establishing alternative strategic routes.

The exhibition aims to support the development of the transport, shipping and logistics sector, showcase investment opportunities and future projects, and enhance local and regional cooperation and partnerships, focusing on the role of transport and logistics in supporting trade and investment, linking production centers to markets and outlets, and strengthening regional economic integration.

The exhibition spans 2,400 square meters and is open to specialized visitors, businessmen, investors and company representatives daily from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., with free transport from central Damascus to the fairgrounds.