Technical Assistance to the Trade Enhancement Programme (TEP)

The Trade Enhancement Programme (TEP) supports Syria’s economic development by modernising its trade systems and aligning its policies and institutions with international best practices. The project focused on increasing trade flows, improving governance, and enabling the country to take fuller advantage of global markets.

The key beneficiaries were the Ministry of Economy and Trade (MoET), the General Directorate of Customs, and the newly formed Export Development and Promotion Agency (EDPA).

Key objectives included:

• Enhancing the policy-making capacity of trade institutions
• Establishing a Centre for Trade Policy Analysis (CTPA) within the MoET
• Supporting customs reform to align with international standards
• Developing export strategies and strengthening the EDPA
• Providing extensive technical and soft skills training to public officials
• Reviewing and simplifying the trade-related legal framework

The project also reviewed Syria’s trade laws, developed a strategic export promotion plan, and introduced a Trade Information Centre to improve access to market data.