Turkey has lifted trade and transit restrictions on its border with Syria, the Turkish Trade Ministry said on Monday, continuing plans to expand trade after the fall of Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad.
Goods exported or imported between the two neighboring countries, as well as those passing through Syrian border crossings, will now be subject to the same conditions as goods in trade with other countries, the ministry said.
"The existing lists of restrictions on the export and transit of goods through Turkish customs territory to Syria have been lifted," the Turkish Trade Ministry said.
Ankara severed ties with Damascus after the start of the Syrian civil war in 2011. Following the fall of former Syrian President Assad last year, Turkey stepped up contacts with the new Syrian administration and pledged assistance in the country's reconstruction.
Turkish companies have big plans to expand their operations in Syria and expect significant growth in trade after Assad was overthrown by rebels close to Ankara.
Turkey and the new Syrian administration have agreed to reconsider customs tariffs on certain products and begin negotiations to renew a free trade agreement, which was suspended in 2011.
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