Damascus, Jan. 21 (SANA) Syrian Finance Minister Mohammad Yisr Barnieh discussed with a delegation from the International Finance Corporation (IFC) on Wednesday mechanisms to strengthen public-private partnerships (PPPs) in projects, aimed at supporting Syria’s financial and economic reform efforts. The meeting was held at the ministry headquarters in Damascus southern Syria.
The two sides reviewed the potential contribution of the IFC—part of the World Bank Group—in reforming the financial sector, including the insurance sector. Discussions emphasized partnership frameworks and governance through organizing workshops in Damascus, to bolster cooperation and enable more effective engagement in project financing and support for the private sector in Syria.
Barnieh underscored the importance of opening an IFC office in Damascus, citing its role in preparing the environment needed to launch PPP projects, support institutional transformation and governance in state-owned companies, and convert them into publicly listed joint-stock companies. He also highlighted the benefits of leveraging the IFC’s advisory and financing services in this field.
The meeting comes as part of the Ministry of Finance’s broader direction to develop the financial sector and strengthen its role in supporting economic recovery and stimulating investment, particularly by expanding partnerships with international financial institutions in line with economic reform plans, governance standards and efforts to improve the business environment in Syria.
