Syria signs $800m port deal with DP World
Terminal tractors line up to load containers into a cargo ship at DP World's fully automated Terminal 2 at Jebel Ali Port in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, December 27, 2018. PHOTO: REUTERS/FILE
Syria signed a $800 million deal with UAE-based company DP World on Sunday to develop the port of Tartus, state media reported, as the new authorities continue their efforts to support post-war reconstruction.
"In the presence of President Ahmed Al-Sharaa, an agreement was signed between the General Authority for Land and Sea Ports and DP World, valued at $800 million, as a strategic step aimed at enhancing port infrastructure and logistics services in Syria," state-run news agency SANA said.
Following the signing of the deal, DP World CEO Sultan Bin Sulayem said Syria's economy had "significant assets, including the Port of Tartus, which represents an opportunity to transport and export many Syrian industries".
In a statement also shared by state media, he pledged to make Tartus "one of the best ports in the world".