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Turkish construction companies are preparing to take on major rebuilding projects in Ukraine and Syria, with the head of the country's contractors association saying firms are well-positioned to support reconstruction efforts in both markets.
Erdal Eren, chairman of the Turkish Contractors Association (TMB), said Turkish builders expect to be involved in the recovery of Ukraine once the war with Russia ends and are also receiving signals from Syria that their expertise will be needed there.
Eren stressed that Turkish contractors expect long-standing business ties with Ukraine to help secure reconstruction work once the conflict ends.
"We are hoping the Russia-Ukraine war ends favorably. It looks as though it could end this year, judging by political developments," he told Anadolu Agency, adding that Türkiye has made significant efforts to support diplomatic initiatives.
Drawing on decades of cooperation between the two countries, Ukrainian authorities are likely to turn to Turkish firms for reconstruction projects, Eren argued. Some Turkish contractors remained active in Ukraine throughout the war, he noted, helping rebuild damaged bridges despite the challenging conditions.
Speaking about developments in the sector, Eren noted that Turkish contractors have been moving beyond their traditional strongholds in Russia, Ukraine and the Middle East as conflicts and geopolitical tensions reshape regional markets.
While companies initially focused on expanding into Africa, they have steadily broadened their presence across the Balkans and Eastern Europe and are now carrying out projects in much of Europe, he said.
Eren described Syria as another market with substantial reconstruction needs after years of civil war.
Around two months ago, Syrian Economy and Industry Minister Mohammed Nidal al-Shaar attended the Syria-Türkiye Joint Forum in Istanbul and expressed interest in meeting with TMB representatives, he underscored.
Through contacts facilitated by the Trade Ministry, Syrian officials conveyed their expectation that Turkish companies would play a role in rebuilding the country's infrastructure and economy, he added.
According to the Trade Ministry, Turkish contractors have undertaken 12,884 projects worth $561.9 billion in 138 countries since 1972.
A total of 45 Turkish firms were included in Engineering News-Record's 2025 international contractor ranking, placing Türkiye second only to China.
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