Damascus, May 12 (SANA) In the presence of President Ahmad al-Sharaa, Syrian and Emirati officials held talks on Tuesday aimed at expanding economic and investment cooperation during the second day of the first Syrian-Emirati Investment Forum at the People’s Palace in Damascus.
The second day of the forum includes dialogue sessions focused on investment opportunities and economic partnership between Syria and the United Arab Emirates across multiple sectors.
Syrian Economy and Industry Minister Nidal al-Shaar said the visit of Emirati business leaders to Damascus reflected growing confidence and a shared desire to establish broader economic partnership between the two countries.
Speaking during the forum, al-Shaar said discussions with Emirati officials and investors reflected a positive spirit and a serious willingness to cooperate in the coming phase.
He said the two sides agreed on practical steps aimed at moving toward deeper development and investment cooperation.
According to al-Shaar, the discussions included plans to activate the Syrian-Emirati Business Council and expand cooperation in economic legislation, investment regulations, technology, digital transformation, governance and digital payment systems.
The talks also addressed cooperation in microfinance programs supporting small businesses, vocational training initiatives and the development of modern industrial zones.
Al-Shaar said Syria would send an official delegation to the UAE to present a comprehensive economic plan and an investment roadmap outlining priority sectors for cooperation.
He added that the two sides also discussed opportunities in energy, agriculture, tourism and aviation.
UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi said Damascus held a special historical and cultural significance and described Syria as an important regional partner.
Al Zeyoudi said trade exchange between Syria and the UAE reached $1.4 billion in 2025, describing the figure as evidence of expanding economic opportunities between the two countries.
He said Syria’s ongoing recovery and return to economic growth created broad opportunities for cooperation in reconstruction, infrastructure, industrial development, agriculture, energy and transport.
The forum brought together Syrian and Emirati officials, investors and business representatives as part of efforts to strengthen economic ties and encourage investment cooperation between the two countries.
R.A/ABD
