Damascus, June 20 (SANA) Economic relations between Syria and Germany have gained momentum in 2026, reflecting efforts by both countries to strengthen cooperation and advance toward practical partnerships in key sectors, including energy, reconstruction and infrastructure.
The growing engagement comes amid mutual interest in exploring economic opportunities that could support Syria’s recovery while offering German companies and institutions prospects for investment and participation in development projects.
Syria strengthens presence at Arab-German Economic Forum
Syria’s participation in the Arab-German Economic Forum, held in Berlin on June 18, underscored its expanding presence within Arab and German business circles and reinforced its position as a potential investment destination.
The forum served as a platform for discussions on investment and partnership opportunities, particularly in reconstruction, energy and infrastructure. Syrian participation also included meetings aimed at enhancing direct economic cooperation and promoting long-term partnerships.
Syria named partner country for next forum edition
The Arab-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry, based in Berlin, announced on Friday that Syria had been selected as the “partner country” for the next edition of the Arab-German Economic Forum.
Mohammad Haikal, a Syrian businessman and member of the chamber, told SANA that the designation was welcomed by both Arab and German partners, describing it as an important step toward restoring Syria’s normal economic role in the region.
He said Syria’s participation as partner country next year would help open a new phase of economic engagement, strengthen regional and international partnerships and attract strategic investment.
Energy and reconstruction at the center of talks
On the sidelines of the forum, Syria’s chargé d’affaires in Berlin, Mohammad Baraa Shukri, met German Minister for Economic Affairs and Energy Katherina Reiche.
The two sides discussed ways to enhance cooperation in energy, reconstruction and the rehabilitation of Syrian infrastructure.
Follow-up to presidential visit
The growing economic engagement follows President Ahmad al-Sharaa’s visit to Germany on March 30, 2026, which marked a significant milestone in bilateral economic relations.
During the visit, energy emerged as a key area of cooperation. Al-Sharaa visited Siemens Energy headquarters in Berlin to review the company’s technological and industrial capabilities.
The visit also saw the signing of a memorandum of understanding between Syria’s Ministry of Energy and Siemens Energy, alongside an agreement reserving production capacity for gas turbines and equipment related to electricity generation.
The initiatives signaled a shift from dialogue to implementation and reflected German companies’ interest in supporting the rehabilitation of Syria’s energy sector.
As part of follow-up efforts, Syrian Foreign and Expatriates Minister Assaad Hassan al-Shaibani met German State Secretary and Deputy Foreign Minister Serap Güler in Damascus on June 17.
The talks focused on practical measures to advance the Syrian-German partnership, particularly in investment, joint business consulting and cooperation with private-sector companies.
Syrian-German Business Council supports expanding ties
The Syrian-German Business Council has also played a role in supporting the growing momentum in bilateral relations.
On April 4, 2026, the council said Syrian-German economic relations had entered a new and more substantive phase centered on investment, technology transfer, knowledge sharing and expanded cooperation across productive and service sectors.
The assessment reflects increasing engagement between business communities and economic institutions in both countries, as well as efforts to leverage the expertise of the Syrian community in Germany to support Syria’s development and reconstruction.
M.F
