Damascus, Oct. 20 (SANA) The establishment of the Syrian Recovery and Reconstruction Trust Fund (START) represents a pivotal step toward coordinating international financing and channeling resources into high-priority sectors, economic specialists told SANA on Tuesday.
The specialists affirmed that the fund will play a core role in rehabilitating infrastructure, restoring basic public services, and stimulating local production and private investment.
Mohannad al-Zanbarakji, a specialist in economic planning and holding company management, explained that a primary function of START is aligning donor contributions into integrated, long-term development projects rather than fragmented initiatives, thereby optimizing resource efficiency and avoiding expenditure overlap.
Al-Zanbarakji stressed that the fund’s operations must align with a clear national recovery plan based on realistic damage assessments and measurable development targets.
Priority investment sectors
Rehabilitating core infrastructure—including electricity, water, healthcare, education, and transport—remains the immediate priority due to its direct impact on citizens’ daily lives and business activity, al-Zanbarakji noted.
He added that high energy and transport costs currently hinder business recovery, making infrastructure investment essential for restoring production and attracting investment capital.
Furthermore, al-Zanbarakji highlighted the need to direct funding toward productive sectors such as industry, agriculture, and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to restore supply chains, boost exports, and fulfill local market demand.
Improving the investment climate and transparency
Al-Zanbarakji stated that the fund can catalyze domestic and foreign investment by reducing project risk and promoting institutional reform. He noted that clear regulations, contract protection, and public-private partnerships (PPPs) in energy, transport, and industry will convert development aid into active economic incentives.
He emphasized that donor confidence and project success rely on strict governance, independent auditing, and transparent procurement processes.
Restoring public services and long-term impact
Economic analyst Mohammad Hendawi noted that START provides a structured institutional framework that reflects growing international confidence in Syria’s economic transition.
Hendawi highlighted that the fund’s success will be measured by its ability to translate financial commitments into tangible improvements on the ground, particularly in health, education, and municipal services. He added that effective implementation requires phased execution, transparent spending, and sustained coordination to yield long-term benefits for Syrian citizens.
On October 18, Syria and the World Bank Group agreed to establish the START trust fund as a multi-donor facility to provide concessional financing, investment guarantees, and technical capacity building in support of Syria’s national recovery efforts.
Kh.A / H.H
