Damascus, June 3 (SANA) Senior Syrian officials underscored on Wednesday the importance of strengthening cooperation with the private sector, enhancing investment opportunities and advancing economic reforms during the closing session of the Syrian Private Sector Dialogue 2026 Conference held in Damascus.
Speaking at the closing session, Minister of Economy and Industry Nidal al-Shaar said the conference represents an important event reflecting Syria’s openness to cooperation and partnership across various economic and development fields. He noted that the participation of delegations, experts and students demonstrated growing interest in health and development issues and their role in building society.
Al-Shaar described the health sector as a cornerstone of sustainable development, stressing that integration between government institutions and academic and medical sectors contributes to improving the quality of services provided to citizens. He added that specialized conferences play an important role in exchanging expertise, transferring knowledge and strengthening cooperation among relevant stakeholders.
Minister of Finance Yisr Barnieh said the government is working to build a dynamic and active private sector capable of serving as a key partner in development, reconstruction and support for the national economy.
Barnieh noted that new dialogue platforms and consultation tracks represent a shared responsibility for preparing qualified cadres capable of contributing to policy-making during the coming phase.
Minister of Health Musab al-Ali said Syria’s economic recovery extends beyond restarting factories, revitalizing trade and attracting investment, emphasizing that it also requires a healthy human capital base and access to essential services, foremost among them health and education.
Al-Ali stressed that the health sector is not merely a service sector but an essential partner in economic recovery and development. He added that economic reform must be reflected in social sectors, particularly healthcare, as citizens measure recovery through their ability to access basic health services.
Minister of Communications and Information Technology Abdul Salam Haykal said the private sector needs clarity and swift decision-making more than traditional forms of support, noting that a clear and stable regulatory environment enhances companies’ ability to plan, expand and invest.
Haykal said the Syrian government is working to simplify licensing procedures and address overlaps between institutions to support economic activity. He added that a smart state does not compete with companies but measures its economic success through the strength and growth of its businesses.
Minister of Transport Yarub Badr said the participation of a large number of business leaders and investors reflects the beginning of growing confidence in Syria’s economic future, describing them as an essential part of the reconstruction process.
Director General of the Syrian Investment Authority Talal al-Hilali said the authority is working to improve transparency, accelerate procedures and activate the one-stop-shop system to facilitate investor services more effectively.
Al-Hilali described progress achieved over the past year and a half as significant despite the major economic challenges currently facing Syria. He added that the authority’s role is to attract investors and facilitate projects across productive and service sectors throughout the country.
Governor of the Central Bank of Syria Mohammad Safwat Raslan said continuous dialogue between the private sector and public institutions constitutes a fundamental pillar for enhancing understanding and unifying visions regarding economic development priorities.
He noted that successful and recurring dialogue with the private sector helps build mutual confidence, which remains the foundation of any sustainable development and economic reform process.
The First Syrian Private Sector Dialogue Conference concluded its final day at the Damascus Palace of Conferences on Wednesday. Organized by the Ministry of Economy and Industry in collaboration with the UNDP, the three-day event focused on boosting cross-border trade, expanding small business financing, and engaging international partners.
The conference aimed to strengthen public-private partnerships, improve the business environment, and attract vital local, Arab, and foreign investments to drive economic recovery.
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