Damascus, Feb. 17 (SANA) — Syria has held talks with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on resuming cooperation and supporting economic reform efforts, as part of broader moves to re-engage with international financial institutions and attract foreign investment.
The discussions took place during a meeting between Syrian Investment Authority Chairman Talal al-Hilali and an IMF delegation in Damascus, marking a renewal of official contact after several years of suspension.
According to the Authority, the meeting addressed the importance of regular IMF missions and technical assistance programs, particularly in public financial management, monetary policy frameworks and statistical systems, aimed at supporting economic reform and institutional capacity-building.
The talks also highlighted the role of the Syrian Investment Authority in implementing the Investment Law adopted in 2025, with a focus on streamlining procedures, improving the business climate and attracting quality investments to strengthen confidence in the national economy.
Separately, al-Hilali met with a delegation from the Syrian-British Business Council, which included representatives of international companies and investors across several sectors.
That meeting focused on available investment opportunities in energy, healthcare, education, tourism, infrastructure and banking, as well as measures to enhance the investment environment and improve investor confidence through clearer and more competitive regulatory frameworks.
The two sides agreed to prepare for an upcoming investment forum bringing together major Syrian and international companies, aimed at presenting priority investment opportunities and facilitating direct engagement between investors and relevant government institutions.
Discussions also underscored the importance of integration with the international banking system and upgrading domestic financial frameworks to support investment flows and facilitate cross-border financial transactions.
The meetings form part of Syria’s broader efforts to expand cooperation with international financial institutions and business councils, as it seeks to support economic reform and reintegrate into global markets.
