Damascus, Dec. 18 (SANA) Syria’s Ministry of Agriculture has begun discussions with the World Bank on a support program aimed at addressing key priorities in the country’s agricultural sector.
A technical team from the ministry met via video conference with World Bank officials, including Isabelle Liou, the bank’s agriculture sector lead for Syria and Lebanon, to outline a potential intervention project focused on sector needs. The discussions covered plans to rehabilitate olive nurseries, olive presses, and pistachio production facilities, the ministry said in a statement.
Deputy Agriculture Minister Bassel al-Suwaidan said the sector requires extensive rehabilitation and emphasized the need to introduce water-smart agricultural technologies under a clearly defined framework.
Participants also discussed challenges facing the livestock sector and identified priority needs expected to be incorporated into the proposed intervention plan.
Liou said technical studies are currently underway to assess the strengths and weaknesses of Syria’s agricultural sector, with a focus on ensuring project sustainability. The studies also aim to identify requirements related to agricultural inputs and food value chains.
Both sides agreed to hold regular technical meetings to finalize the proposed project and prepare an implementation document, with the goal of generating tangible economic impact and supporting agriculture as a key sector in Syria’s reconstruction and economic recovery.
