Damascus, Dec. 5 (SANA) Syria and South Korea convened their first bilateral economic forum in Damascus on Thursday, focusing on potential cooperation in Syria’s reconstruction and efforts to expand commercial ties.
The event, organized by Syria’s Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Economy in collaboration with South Korea’s Embassy in Lebanon and the Korea Trade–Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA), also aimed to strengthen exchanges in advanced industries, technology, and education.
Economy Minister Nidal Al-Shaar highlighted at the forum that technology transfer, renewable energy, smart infrastructure, and education are key areas for future cooperation. He reiterated the government’s commitment to creating an investment environment capable of attracting Korean businesses.
Officials from the Syrian Foreign Ministry described the forum as part of a broader strategy to pursue openness and build new international partnerships during what they called a pivotal stage for the country.
South Korea’s ambassador to Syria, Gu-Seok Jeon, said Seoul is prepared to support reconstruction efforts and deepen economic engagement, noting growing interest from Korean companies in energy, infrastructure, ICT, and industrial development.
Representatives from KOTRA and the Korean Foreign Ministry emphasized building long-term partnerships based on mutual trust. Communications Abdulsalam Haykal pointed to South Korea’s development model as one Syria could draw from in modernizing its own infrastructure.
The Federation of Syrian Chambers of Commerce called the forum a practical step toward combining Korean technology with local expertise, while the Syrian Investment Agency underscored its efforts to ensure a transparent business climate.
Officials said the forum fits into Syria’s wider plan to expand cooperation with technologically advanced nations and lay the groundwork for future joint projects to support reconstruction.
