Damascus, March 16 (SANA) – Recent grants announced by the World Bank for Syria are being viewed by analysts as an important step toward restoring the country’s links with international financial institutions and supporting its economic recovery after years of isolation.
Economic experts say the move carries significance beyond its financial value, as it indicates a gradual reopening of cooperation channels between Syria and global development institutions and may pave the way for broader engagement with the international financial system.
According to economic analyst Karam Khalil, the grants represent an early sign of Syria’s reintegration into international financial frameworks after a long period of limited engagement. He noted that the importance of the initiative lies in its focus on institutional reforms, particularly improving public financial management, transparency and governance—key elements for rebuilding investor confidence and strengthening the foundations of economic recovery.
Another economist, Qassem Abu Dust, said the grants could help improve the efficiency of public finances and support better delivery of services in sectors such as health, education and infrastructure, while also strengthening trust between Syria and international partners.
Syria received its first recent World Bank grant in June 2025, totaling $146 million, aimed at improving electricity supply and supporting recovery in areas that have seen the return of displaced residents, including parts of Aleppo, Idlib and the Damascus countryside.
In March 2026, the World Bank approved a second grant worth $20 million focused on public financial management reforms, including improving budgeting systems, strengthening procurement procedures and developing integrated financial information systems to support government decision-making.
Economists say such programs could help lay the institutional groundwork for future investments and development financing, while discussions are expected to continue over additional projects that could exceed $1 billion across multiple sectors.
The World Bank, founded in 1944 during the Bretton Woods conference, is one of the world’s leading development institutions and currently includes 189 member states, with headquarters in Washington, D.C.
Kh.A
