Investment Opportunities for Reconstruction in Syria

DAMASCUS _ The meeting held on Wednesday between representatives of the Syrian Investment Agency (SIA) and the Syrian-Chinese Businessmen Council concentrated on ways of benefiting from the expertise of the Syrian businessmen who live abroad, particularly in China, in the reconstruction era in Syria.

The SIA reviewed the investment plan and priorities of investment in the coming era in the light of the huge damage caused to the Syrian industrial facilities because of the armed terrorist groups’ attacks. 

The agency called for holding a general conference for parties concerned in reconstruction and for Syrian and international experts with the purpose of approving the investment plan and benefitting from the experiences of friendly countries that have supported the Syrian people to withstand the ongoing crisis.

SIA Director General Hala Ghazal told reporters that the meeting aimed to specify a road map for cooperation with all friendly countries, particularly after the Ministry of Economy and Foreign Trade had established businessmen councils. It also aimed to find out a promotion plan for the investment map dedicated for reconstruction and that can be implemented in top priority sectors.

“China is among Syria’s most important friendly states and it will hopefully contribute to the reconstruction process in the country due to its great expertise and capabilities in this respect,” Ghazal said.

 She pointed out that the Syrian-Chinese Businessmen Council will be a partner and an envoy that promote investment in Syria abroad within the coming era through continuous contacts with the Chinese side and through suggesting applicable ideas and projects.

She clarified that investment opportunities cover different projects in all sectors, but focus will be on implementing projects of top priority in key sectors, including the projects of activating the production lines of damaged factories, meeting the requirements of the reconstruction process and supporting alternative energy projects.

Mohammad Hamshou, Chairman of the Syrian-Chinese Businessmen Council, said that the meeting was held to boost economic and investment cooperation between Syria and China particularly in the reconstruction process in Syria. He pointed out that the Syrian government has started implementing reconstruction projects in several areas to which the state has restored security and stability.

“Industrial facilities have resumed their activities and started to play an effective role in the Syrian market and to work hard to open new markets for the Syrian products in south Asian countries in cooperation with the business councils established for this purpose and which will be the bridge to expand economic relations between Syria and friendly countries, including China,” Hamshou said

He called for supporting qualitative projects with emphasis on small and medium-sized enterprises in order to activate the Syrian economy and to depend on the abilities and skills of the local working  force.

The reconstruction plan put forward by the SIA seeks the recovery of a suitable investment climate in Syria.

Rawaa Ghanam