en.Wedoany.com Reported - The Syrian Border and Customs Authority and the French CMA CGM Group signed a strategic cooperation agreement on July 7, 2026, at the People's Palace in Damascus. Syrian President Ahmad al-Shara and visiting French President Emmanuel Macron jointly attended the signing ceremony. The agreement was signed on behalf of both parties by Director General of the Syrian Border and Customs Authority Qutaiba al-Badawi and CMA CGM Chairman and CEO Rodolphe Saadé.
This agreement establishes a long-term strategic cooperation framework aimed at supporting Syria in developing a modern, integrated transportation and logistics system, enhancing its position as a regional trade and transit hub, boosting national economic competitiveness, and attracting high-quality investment. The agreement covers several key projects, primarily including: the development and operation of the container terminal at the Port of Latakia; the completion of dry port projects in Damascus and Aleppo; the construction of an integrated logistics zone at the Nasib border crossing; the upgrade of air cargo facilities at Damascus International Airport; the formulation of a railway network restoration plan connecting ports with major logistics centers; and cooperation in vocational training and capacity building.
This agreement integrates CMA CGM's existing projects in Syria under a unified strategic framework. CMA CGM, one of the world's largest shipping and logistics groups operating in over 160 countries, has been active in Syria for more than 30 years. Previously, in May 2025, CMA CGM obtained a 30-year concession for the modernization and operation of the Latakia International Container Terminal (LICT). Its subsidiary, CMA Terminals, has been operating the terminal since 2009. The Port of Latakia is Syria's main maritime gateway, handling over 95% of the country's container trade.
According to previously announced plans, CMA CGM has committed to investing €200 million for the expansion and modernization of the Latakia container terminal, aiming to increase its annual throughput capacity from the current approximately 250,000 TEUs to 625,000 TEUs by the end of 2026. In November 2025, AD Ports Group acquired a 20% stake in LICT for AED 81 million (approximately $22 million), joining the management and expansion of the terminal.
The signing of this strategic cooperation agreement coincides with Syria's reconstruction process following the end of its prolonged conflict and the visit of French President Macron to Damascus. This agreement is one of several cooperation projects between French companies and Syria announced by Macron's office. This partnership is seen as a significant step towards Syria's integration into regional and global trade chains.
