(Compagnie maritime d’affrètement – Compagnie générale maritime)
The CMA-CGM Group is a French multinational, world-class leader in transportation and logistics, operating a global shipping line.
In 2009, CMA-CGM partnered with Souria Holding to establish Latakia International Container Terminal under a 10-year contract. The company has maintained connections to Latakia through both its founders and local partners. In 2019, CMA-CGM secured a 99% stake in the port and extended its contract for an additional five years. In 2025, it reached a new agreement with the Syrian government to reconstruct the port.

(GALSB) Established after the fall of the regime to group customs, ports and free zones under a single administration in a bid to simplify procedures and unify oversight.

(GOT) The General Organisation of Tobacco is a state-owned Syrian entity responsible for governing and controlling the tobacco industry in Syria. Its documented functions include the production, distribution and sale of tobacco, including licensing for foreign brands. The organisation has also been subject to sanctions.

Widely believed to be a front for Maher Al-Assad, operating in business sectors spanning engineering and construction. Subsidiaries include Hadeed Metal Manufacturing (Hamsho Steel)

International branch of Japan Tobacco, one of the three largest Big Tobacco product manufacturers. Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, it sells brands in 130 countries. Its brands include Winston, Camel and Natural American Spirit.

(LICT) The company that manages the container terminal of the Port of Latakia.

The Latakia Port General Company, also known as The General Company for Latakia Harbor, is the state-run authority that manages Syria’s principal port city.

Travel retailer in Syria that operated shops located at airports, sea ports and border crossings. It ran from 1997 until 2010, when it was acquired by Syria Duty Free.

The company has been linked to Rami Makhlouf, who is listed as the ultimate beneficial owner of related Ramak entities in official sanctions databases.

A holding firm grouping many major Syrian investors that develops projects in the real estate, hospitality, healthcare and transport sectors.

Travel retailer in Syria that operates shops located at airports, sea ports and border crossings.
In 2010, Syria Duty Free acquired Ramak Duty Free, a company believed to be at least partly owned by Rami Makhlouf. There is no evidence that he gave up control following the acquisition and he is often reported as the owner. Makhlouf retained ownership until 2020, when the duty-free contracts were transferred to his brother, Ihab Makhlouf.

(STE) A state entity in charge of the distribution of consumer products. The STE runs a retail network of hundreds of stores that sell their products almost at cost.

(OLAF) The European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) investigates fraud against the EU budget, corruption, and serious misconduct within European institutions, and develops anti-fraud policy.