On stability, competitiveness and revival in Syria’s consumer goods industry By what means have diversified fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) companies evolved through the conflict years and into the current recovery phase? HADI JOUD: The evolution of multi-vertical FMCG manufacturers and traders in Syria mirrors the broader trajectory of the national economy. Many of these businesses operate…
On rebuilding Syria’s trade and industrial base How would you characterise the current stage of economic recovery in Syria, particularly in trade and commodity markets? AMMAR BARDAN: Syria is clearly in a recovery phase, but it is in an early and uneven stage. We are seeing renewed commercial activity in trade and commodity markets, particularly in essential goods such as animal feed, agricultural…
On the investment climate and mobilising financing for local companies How would you characterise the current macroeconomic transition and the investment climate? ANTOUN HABIB BETINJANEH: Syria is moving from a wartime economy defined by scarcity into a transition phase where availability is improving, but demand and purchasing power remain uneven. Many goods that were difficult to source –…
On rebuilding tourism sector How would you assess the current stage of Syria’s tourism recovery? MOURHAF NAZHA: Syria’s tourism recovery is nascent but the foundations are strong, particularly considering its cultural and historical sites, opportunities for religious tourism, diverse landscapes and rich food culture. Tourism activity was largely on hold for 15 years, so Syria is naturally…
On procurement reform and the future of Syria's pharmaceutical industry How would you describe the current operating environment for pharmaceutical imports in Syria following the recent political transition? NADINE CHAOUI: The pharmaceutical sector is operating through a period of significant adjustment. The main challenge is not the absence of demand, but the need for clear, consistent and…
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 bridging gaps to accelerate sustainable investment in UK-Syria trade How do you assess the long-term potential for bilateral trade between Syria and the UK, particularly in sectors where historical ties or complementary capabilities could support a renewed commercial relationship? MOUNZER NAZHA: The long-term potential for UK-Syria trade is promising, especially in sectors where historical…
On rebuilding agricultural capacity How do you assess the agricultural sector and its outlook for the coming seasons? FARID KHOURI: Agriculture in Syria remains fundamentally dependent on water availability. Last year was extremely challenging due to drought, which significantly reduced yields and affected the entire value chain. This year, the outlook is more positive, provided rainfall…
On consolidation and export recovery How would you describe the current state of Syria’s pharmaceutical manufacturing sector following years of conflict? ISSAM MAATOUK: The pharmaceutical manufacturing sector in Syria has gone through an exceptionally challenging period in recent years. For roughly five to six years prior to mid-2024, manufacturers were operating at sustained losses due to…
On pressure and opportunity in rebuilding Syria’s consumer goods market How would you describe the evolution of Syria’s fast-moving consumer good (FMCG) market from the pre-war years to the post-conflict period? FIRAS SHAMMAS: In the mid-2000s, the Syrian market was increasingly driven by quality, brand selection and consumer aspiration. Syrian consumers were well educated and eager to access…
