Syria’s border crossings serve as vital economic arteries due to their strategic geographical position with neighbouring countries. From the al-Masnaa crossing with Lebanon, known as key migration and smuggling route, to the Bokamal crossing with Iraq, used for passengers and cargo transport despite ongoing security concerns, these gateways play a crucial role in regional commerce.
On the Syrian-Turkish border, crossings such as Qamishli facilitate trade and movement, while the Nasib crossing with Jordan, one of Syria’s most important commercial routes, has suffered sever damage, with %90 of its infrastructure destroyed. However, recent rehabilitation efforts are showing progress.
According to its director, Khaled al-Barad, the crossing now handles up to 200 incoming trucks daily, with 100 trucks exiting, and plans are underway to restore its full capacity to 4.000 trucks per day, as was the case in 2010.
Al-Barad noted that ongoing technical cooperation with Jordan aims to streamline transit operations and improve services, positively impacting trade and passenger movement.
Mazen Alouche, Director of Relations at the General Authority for Land and Maritime Ports, emphasises that the reconstruction and rehabilitation of Syria’s border crossings and seaports, both in terms of infrastructure and human resources, are essential steps in reestablishing Syria’s role as a regional trade and economic hub.
In an exclusive statement to +963, Alouche outlined Syria’s primary needs in this area as:
- Human resources and development: Training personnel at border crossings to align with international standards, improving efficiency and transparency in customs and security operations through modern technology.
- Infrastructure upgrades: Rehabilitating land and seaport facilities with advanced electronic systems to facilitate transit and trade, while enhancing logistics, roads, storage facilities, and security checkpoints.
According to Alouche, broader rehabilitation efforts must focus on three key areas:
- Enhancing security by preventing smuggling and strengthening border control, thereby reinforcing national sovereignty.
- Boosting the national economy by facilitating trade, increasing customs revenues, and improving economic stability.
- Strengthening regional relations, as border crossings serve as crucial points of economic and diplomatic cooperation with neighbouring countries.
Nevertheless, the rehabilitation of Syria’s border crossings faces several challenges, including:
- Widespread destruction was caused by years of conflict, particularly in areas that witnessed intense fighting.
- Decades of neglect, as the previous regime failed to implement development or maintenance plans for these critical infrastructures.
- Corruption and lack of qualified personnel, have hindered the efficiency of broader operations.
Alouche stressed that the greatest challenge today is finding competent and trustworthy professionals to manage crossings and ports according to modern international standards. This requires significant efforts in training and rebuilding institutional trust.
Further complicating matters, some Syrian border crossings remain under the control of international and local actors. For example, the Tanf crossing on the Iraqi border is managed by international coalition forces in cooperation with the Syrian Army.
Modernization and Regional Integration
Colonel Malik Kurdi, in an interview with +963, highlighted the need for major reconstruction at most crossings. “We need new facilities to accommodate increasing travel and trade, including paved parking areas, electronic checkpoints for vehicles and travellers, and advanced security measures such as trained canine units,” he explained.
Kurdi also emphasized the importance of equipping border points with modern computers and ensuring personnel receive proper training to meet international standards.
Syrian academic Dr. Emad al-Din al-Musbah believes that post-war Syria stands at a historic crossroads with an opportunity to reshape its economic future. “Rehabilitating border crossings is a top priority,” he stated. “These gates are essential for integrating Syria into the regional and global economy.”
Al-Musbah noted that under the previous regime, Syrian crossings were often exploited for illicit activities, including drug trafficking. Moving forward, Syria must transform these entry points into engines of economic growth and legitimate trade. Achieving this requires a comprehensive strategy that includes:
- Overhauling infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and logistics hubs, in line with international standards.
- Implementing modern technology, such as integrated border management systems to accelerate customs processing.
- Enhance workforce training, focusing on customs, security, and logistics while combating corruption.
- Establishing a legal and regulatory framework that aligns with global trade practices, drawing inspiration from successful models in transit trade.
Al-Musbah emphasized that modernizing border crossings would have profound benefits for Syria’s economy. “This initiative is expected to significantly increase foreign trade, attract investment, and solidify Syria’s role as a regional transit hub. Additionally, it will generate employment opportunities and enhance government revenues through more efficient customs operations.”
Syria must transform its border crossing into engines of economic development and legitimate trade, requiring a comprehensive approach that addresses infrastructure, technology, and human resources.
