Syria is entering a new phase of economic recovery, with sanctions relief, renewed regional engagement and investment commitments creating opportunities across key sectors. Oxford Business Group has launched The Report: Syria 2026, which examines the challenges and prospects of rebuilding an economy after over a decade of internal conflict. The publication explores developments in energy infrastructure,
Interview: Mohammed Yisr Barnieh, Minister of Finance, on rebuilding trust, driving reform and fostering growth How much has the Ministry of Finance changed since your arrival in 2025? MOHAMMED YISR BARNIEH: The transformation of the ministry has been guided by a clear institutional vision. The Ministry of Finance Strategy 2026-30 was introduced around three strategic pillars: improving public finances,…
Interview: Abdulkader AlHussrieh, Ambassador and former Governor of the Central Bank of Syria, on developing a functioning interbank market and deepening intermediation In which ways are economic relations between Syria and North America developing? ABDULKADER ALHUSSRIEH: Syria’s economic relationship with the United States is evolving from one of limited engagement and financial isolation into…
Interview: Ahmad Jamal Zidan, General Manager, Arab Bank Syria, 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…
Interview: Mohamed Haykal, Chairman of Haykal Group, on navigating an economic reawakening and emerging potential What makes this reconstruction period an especially important moment for economic and social development in Syria? MOHAMED HAYKAL: As Syria emerges from a long period of dictatorship and lawlessness to rejoin the free world, it is undergoing a profound transformation. I have returned…
Interview: Mohammed Al Shaar, Minister of Economy and Industry, on balancing financial recovery with new production models By what means should the country balance the restoration of pre-war industries with the development of new areas of economic activity? MOHAMMED AL SHAAR: Reconstruction cannot be limited to restoring the production systems that existed before the conflict. Syria has missed approximately…
Interview: Mohammad Safwat Raslan, Governor, Central Bank of Syria, on sustainable progress, financial stability and rebuilding confidence Which indicators best reflect the progress made in restoring macroeconomic stability since the recent change in government? MOHAMMAD SAFWAT RASLAN: Progress should be assessed by the correction of existing monetary imbalances and by the foundations being put in…
Interview: Omar Barhamji, CEO, Al Baraka Bank Syria, on opportunities within the sharia-compliant segment, and strategies to promote financial literacy and long-term investment How do you assess the evolving demand for Islamic financing in reconstruction-linked sectors? OMAR BARHAMJI: Reconstruction is increasing demand for sharia-compliant finance. Asset-backed instruments including murabaha (cost-plus…
Interview: Amir Rahwan, CEO, National Islamic Bank, on how sharia- compliant lending, policy reforms and digitalisation can help accelerate the reconstruction agenda How do you expect customer preferences and demand for retail banking services in Syria to evolve? AMIR RAHWAN: Demand in retail banking is being shaped by several opposing forces. On the one hand, liquidity constraints have pushed banks…
Interview: Michel Azzam, General Manager, Bank of Syria and Overseas, on restoring trust, expanding liquidity and financing How is demand for short-term working-capital facilities shifting in import-dependent sectors? MICHEL AZZAM: Demand continues to rise. Syria’s commercial banks are structured for this type of activity. They finance merchandise cycles and trade-related needs in line with a deposit…
