Damascus, June 3 (SANA) The European Union’s representative in Syria said on Wednesday that reconnecting the Syrian economy with global trade and financial systems would be critical to supporting the country’s economic recovery and future growth.
Speaking on the final day of the First Syrian Private Sector Dialogue 2026 in Damascus, EU Chargé d’Affaires Michael Ohnmacht said Syria’s recovery depended on stronger integration with international markets, including trade, finance and banking networks.
“We need to reconnect Syria’s economy with the world,” Ohnmacht said. “That means trade, finance, financial flows and linking Syrian banks with international banks.”
He said the European Union had lifted its sanctions to facilitate that process and would continue supporting Syria’s recovery efforts.
Ohnmacht described the private sector as a key driver of economic growth and development, saying international partners were ready to support Syrian businesses and entrepreneurs.
The conference is discussing ways to strengthen cross-border trade between Syria and Jordan, expand access to financing for small and medium-sized enterprises, deepen cooperation between the private sector and international financial institutions, and promote economic stability alongside social cohesion.
Central Bank of Syria Governor Mohammad Safwat Raslan told the conference that supporting productive sectors was essential to boosting investment and creating jobs, stressing that the next phase of development would require close cooperation between the state and the private sector.
Raslan said the conference brought together policymakers, industrialists, experts and international partners to discuss priorities for Syria’s economic recovery.
While acknowledging ongoing challenges, he said authorities were continuing efforts to strengthen monetary and financial stability, modernize banking infrastructure and improve financial services and payment systems to help create a more favorable business environment in Syria.
The conference, organized by the Ministry of Economy and Industry in cooperation with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Government of Japan, brings together government officials, business leaders and development partners to discuss economic recovery and private-sector growth.
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