Prime Highlight:
- AD Ports Group signed a $22 million agreement with France’s CMA CGM to acquire a 20% stake in the Latakia International Container Terminal.
- The deal strengthens UAE–France trade cooperation and supports Syria’s post-war economic recovery through foreign investment.
Key Facts:
- The Syrian government signed a 30-year agreement with CMA CGM in May 2025 to operate and expand the Latakia port for larger vessels.
- CMA CGM has managed the Latakia terminal since 2009, and the new partnership highlights the UAE’s growing influence in regional logistics and infrastructure.
Background
AD Ports Group from the United Arab Emirates has signed a $22 million deal with French shipping company CMA CGM to buy a 20% share in the Latakia International Container Terminal in Syria.
The deal strengthens trade cooperation and helps Syria rebuild its war-damaged economy by attracting foreign investment. AD Ports Group also grows its presence in major shipping markets around the world.
In May 2025, the Syrian government entered into a 30-year agreement with CMA CGM to operate and elevate the port of Latakia on the Mediterranean. CMA CGM will improve the port facilities and extend access for larger vessels, thereby enhancing Syria’s status as a regional trade hub.
Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, CEO of AD Ports Group, said the partnership marks another milestone in the company’s long-standing collaboration with CMA CGM. “This partnership highlights the expanding international collaboration between our organizations and underscores AD Ports Group’s position as a key facilitator of global trade,” he stated.
CMA CGM has operated the Latakia terminal since 2009, under a contract that was renewed multiple times during former President Bashar al-Assad’s tenure.
AD Ports Group and CMA CGM formed a new partnership that shows the UAE’s growing role in regional infrastructure and logistics. The deal also helps Syria’s economy recover by investing in sustainable maritime projects.
