Syria participated Tuesday in the 39th session of the Council of Arab Transport Ministers held in Alexandria, Egypt, focusing on developing Arab transport frameworks, strengthening inter-state road, maritime, rail, and air networks, and elevating regional logistics efficiency.
Restoring Syria’s role as a regional transit hub
Addressing the council at the Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport, Minister of Transport Yarub Badr affirmed that the Syrian government has positioned infrastructure and transport development at the forefront of its national priorities. He emphasized the sector’s pivotal role in expanding bilateral trade, facilitating transit traffic, and fostering Arab economic integration.
Minister Badr revealed that approximately $670 million has been allocated from the 2027 state budget to finance rapid emergency rehabilitation across Syria’s central highway network.
He highlighted that Syria is actively restoring its position as a vital regional transit corridor, leveraging its geographical location and connecting highways to link neighboring states. The preceding period witnessed rapid growth in Syrian-Arab cooperation, driving an increase in transit freight passing through Syrian territory from Jordan and Iraq toward Türkiye, Europe, the Mediterranean coast, and the Lebanese border.
International tenders and infrastructure overhaul
Regarding highway infrastructure, Minister Badr explained that rehabilitation projects are being executed through transparent international tenders. Current contract phases have been awarded to specialized Arab construction firms from Kuwait, Qatar, and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
He added that contractual arrangements are underway with experienced Arab consultancy firms to oversee project execution, ensuring high technical standards and leveraging regional engineering expertise.
$200 Million World Bank grant for railway activation
In the railway sector, Minister Badr announced preparations to utilize a $200 million grant provided by the World Bank. The funding will execute essential repairs and priority interventions to reactivate Syria’s rail lines.
Re-establishing rail operations will restore Syria’s role in cross-border regional connectivity, promote transport sustainability, and reduce energy consumption. Minister Badr expressed Syria’s eagerness to benefit from advanced regional experience, specifically citing the modern rail development frameworks of Egypt and Morocco.
Digital transformation and regional integration
Minister Badr affirmed that digital transformation remains a key governmental priority across all ministries to optimize infrastructure network management, streamline citizen transport services, reduce administrative costs, and simplify transit logistics.
He concluded by calling for intensified joint Arab action to integrate national transport grids as a foundational gateway to economic integration, shared growth, and regional prosperity.
H.H
