Syria’s General Directorate of Ports announced Thursday the signing of a significant memorandum of understanding (MoU) with China’s Fidi Contracting Company to develop over 1 million square meters across two key free trade zones, marking a major step in Syria’s bid to attract foreign investment.
According to an official statement published on Telegram, the deal grants Fidi full investment rights in the Hassia Free Zone in central Homs Province, covering approximately 850,000 square meters (210 acres). The project will establish an integrated industrial zone that includes specialized factories and production facilities, aimed at revitalizing Syria’s manufacturing and export capacity.
In addition to the Homs development, the MoU allows Fidi to invest in 300,000 square meters (74 acres) of the Adra Free Zone near Damascus, where it plans to launch commercial and service-oriented projects to meet both local and regional market needs.
The 20-year contract stipulates that the Chinese firm must execute the project in phases according to a fixed timeline, ensuring sustained economic viability and maximizing the strategic role of free zones in generating employment, boosting exports, and attracting foreign direct investment (FDI).
The announcement comes on the heels of a series of high-level meetings between Chinese officials and Syria’s new government, following dramatic political changes in the country. Former President Bashar al-Assad, who ruled Syria for nearly 25 years, fled to Russia in December 2024, marking the end of the Baath Party's rule since 1963.
In January 2025, Ahmed al-Sharaa, a prominent leader of the anti-regime coalition, was sworn in as transitional president, ushering in a new era of governance and international outreach.
The deal with China is seen as part of Syria’s broader push to rebuild infrastructure, reopen trade corridors, and restore investor confidence, particularly from countries willing to engage with the new transitional administration. Analysts view China’s role as pivotal, given its Belt and Road ambitions and experience in post-conflict reconstruction.
Further details on the timeline and financing of the projects are expected in the coming months as implementation begins.
China has announced exemptions to its export controls on Nexperia chips intended for civilian use, the commerce ministry said on Sunday, a move aimed ...
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Sunday that he was willing to meet U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio but reiterated that Moscow would...
At least two people have died in the Philippines as Super Typhoon Fung-wong battered central and eastern regions, bringing torrential rain and powerfu...
Britain is deploying specialists and equipment to Belgium to assist in tackling a series of disruptive drone sightings that have temporarily shut down...
Hundreds of people remained missing on Sunday after a boat sank near the Thailand–Malaysia border, with Malaysian maritime authorities confirming th...
The United States has lifted sanctions on Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa ahead of his planned visit to the White House next week. The move follows a similar decision by the UN Security Council and comes days before his meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump.
Nearly 100 individuals have been recorded as abducted or missing in Syria since the start of the year, with reports of ongoing enforced disappearances, the UN human rights office stated on Friday.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for the 5th of November, covering the latest developments you need to know.
U.S. President Donald Trump is set to meet with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa at the White House on Monday, press secretary Karoline Leavitt announced on Tuesday during a press briefing.
Kendrick Lamar and Lady Gaga lead the 2026 Grammy nominations, while K-Pop enters the Song of the Year category for the first time in the award’s history.
Real Madrid, top of LaLiga, is determined to bounce back from their midweek Champions League loss against Liverpool as they face local rivals Rayo Vallecano. Coach Xabi Alonso insists the team is focused on finishing strong before the international break.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned a massive Russian attack involving 450 drones and 45 missiles, targeting Ukraine's energy infrastructure. He called for stronger sanctions against Russia’s energy sector to help end the war.
President Donald Trump announced on Friday that no U.S. government official would attend the upcoming Group of 20 summit in South Africa later this month, citing what he described as "human rights abuses" occurring in the country.
Six people have died with one other injured, after a fire broke out in a perfume warehouse in the Dilovasi district of Türkiye on Saturday.
Israeli settlers attacked Palestinian villagers, activists, and journalists on Saturday, November 8, during an olive harvest near a settler outpost south of Nablus in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, witnesses said.
Azerbaijan marked the fifth anniversary of its victory in the Second Karabakh War with a grand military parade at Azadliq Square in Baku today.
Azerbaijan marks its fifth Victory Day on 8 November, celebrating the liberation of occupied territories and the restoration of sovereignty, a milestone that reshaped the South Caucasus and ushered in a new era of reconstruction and regional stability.
Uzbekistan and the United States have signed strategic agreements worth more than hundred billion dollars, with agreements including relaxed visa rules for citizens of both countries.
Some of Yemen’s most vital roads have reopened as the country’s long-stalled peace process shows renewed signs of progress, supported by a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and an overall cooling in the regional climate.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment