Global trade realignment is reshaping logistics flows across the Red Sea Corridor, Arabian Peninsula, East Africa, India and South-east Asia. This Impact Report examines how new trade routes, infrastructure investment and technological innovation are redefining maritime connectivity and regional competitiveness.The publication – produced in partnership with Folk Maritime, a regional liner headquartered…
Disruption to maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz is accelerating demand for overland alternatives Syria and Jordan have taken concrete steps to integrate their logistics infrastructure A proposed high-speed rail corridor linking Saudi Arabia to Syria via Jordan could reduce Gulf food import vulnerability in the longer term Syria's reintegration into regional trade networks…
Syrian Strategic Forum Launch Dinner marks the official inauguration of the Syrian Strategic Forum (SSF), bringing together a selected group of members, sector experts, and invited guests, including senior stakeholders and strategic partners, as well as representatives from development and productive sectors, academia, international organisations, and the media. The evening will introduce SSF’s…
On adopting policies centred on stability and economic recovery How will banks recalibrate foreign exchange (FX) pricing and liquidity management after the pound partially retracted from its April 2025 peak? AHMAD JAMAL ZIDAN: The FX market is clearly shifting towards more market-driven pricing. Banks have already begun adapting their models to reflect real supply and demand dynamics rather…
On turning capacity into opportunity How do you assess the strength of current state the aluminium manufacturing sector? HASSAN DAABOUL: There is a relatively large installed capacity for aluminium production, much of which has been idle for over a decade. With stability returning, these facilities have begun to resume operations. The country enters this phase with a solid industrial base; what…
On ways to attract capital and accelerate recovery and production plans Which factors should be weighed in determining where limited public investment should be targeted for humanitarian assistance in 2025? MOHAMMAD SAFWAT RASLAN: The first priority is to focus on projects that directly affect daily life: electricity, water, transport access and other basic infrastructure. Much of this infrastructure…
On reinforcing investor confidence by developing a functioning interbank market and deepening financial intermediation To what extent are international precedents and multilateral guidance informing Syria’s reform roadmap and the sequencing of structural changes? ABDULKADER ALHUSSRIEH:We are learning from international experiences and being advised on implementation by the IMF. These…
On unlocking telecoms potential through infrastructure upgrades and strategic investment What network upgrades are realistic near term, and how vital is co-investment to deliver them? MURID ATASSI: Between 2025 and 2030, we aim to double the nationwide site count, currently at around 4500 radio sites. Achieving acceptable coverage and performance across the country would require sector-wide…
On rebuilding trust, driving reform and fostering growth How much has the Ministry of Finance changed since your arrival earlier in 2025? MOHAMMED YISR BARNIEH: We are committed to rebuilding trust between the ministry, the private sector and society. When I arrived, we faced a deteriorating financial environment, weak institutions and a system of corruption and bureaucracy. My first initiative…
