Damascus, Aug. 3 (SANA) The Syrian E-Commerce Forum 2026 opened on Monday at the Seven Gates Hotel in Damascus, bringing together representatives from government ministries, chambers of commerce, the private sector, technology companies, electronic payment providers and logistics firms.
The forum aims to strengthen cooperation among key stakeholders in Syria’s e-commerce ecosystem, including digital platforms, policymakers and information technology leaders, to support the growth of the country’s digital economy.
The event features panel discussions involving public and private sector officials on the future of e-commerce in Syria, supportive legislation and practical steps for transitioning from traditional to digital commerce.
Haykal: Legal reforms to support digital commerce
Speaking at the opening session, Minister of Communications and Technology Abdul Salam Haykal said e-commerce represents a strategic opportunity that requires coordinated efforts across government institutions to build a resilient digital economy.
Haykal said Syria remains in the early stages of developing its e-commerce sector and continues to face challenges, including limited internet coverage and underdeveloped electronic payment systems.
He added that the government is updating the Financial Transactions Law and the Cybercrime Law to strengthen the legal framework, enhance trust in digital transactions and encourage investment.
Barnieh: E-commerce can drive economic growth
Minister of Finance Mohammed Yisr Barnieh said Syria has significant opportunities and innovative capabilities that position it to benefit from e-commerce, stressing the importance of taking the initiative rather than waiting for ideal conditions.
He said e-commerce could bring significant changes to Syria’s economic structure by creating new opportunities for private-sector growth.
Barnieh said the government aims to use e-commerce to expand exports of Syrian products and services rather than increase imports. He added that developing digital infrastructure and advancing the government’s digital transformation would provide a strong foundation for the sector’s growth through integrated electronic payment systems, e-invoicing, simplified business registration, tax compliance mechanisms and digital government services, helping strengthen Syria’s investment environment.
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