Country Profile
From The Report: Syria 2026
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Syria is entering a new phase after more than 14 years of conflict and the end of Bashar Al Assad’s rule in December 2024. The political transition that followed has created the prospect of rebuilding government institutions, restoring economic links with international markets, and addressing the extensive physical and human damage caused by the war. Real GDP contracted by nearly 53% from 2010 to 2022, while the World Bank estimates that the country’s post-conflict reconstruction needs will amount to approximately $216bn, close to 10 times the country’s estimated GDP in 2024.

This chapter includes insights from President Ahmed Al Sharaa, Mohammed Yisr Barnieh and Abdulkader AlHussrieh.

Articles from this Chapter

Overview

A changing landscape: The economy is entering a new phase through reconstruction, institutional reform and renewed international engagement
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Syria is entering a new phase after more than 14 years of conflict and the end of Bashar Al Assad’s rule in December 2024. The political transition that followed has created the prospect of rebuilding government institutions, restoring economic links with international markets, and addressing the extensive physical and human damage caused by the war. The scale of the task is considerable, however. Real GDP contracted by nearly 53% from 2010 to 2022, while the World Bank estimates that the country’s…

Viewpoint

Building for recovery: President Ahmed Al Sharaa, on reconstruction as a national project and foundation for renewal
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Syria’s next phase will not be measured only by the cranes above our cities or the agreements we sign. It will be measured by whether citizens experience the return of a government that serves them: through roads, schools, hospitals, secure work and homes in which families are able to plan their future. After years in which war damaged institutions as well as infrastructure, it is essential that reconstruction begins with a clear national purpose. We must preserve the country, strengthen its institutions…

Interview

Future returns: Mohammed Yisr Barnieh, Minister of Finance, on rebuilding trust, driving reform and fostering growth
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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, reforming the financial sector and promoting economic growth. The pillars are supported by clear…

Interview

Fiscal discipline: Abdulkader AlHussrieh, Ambassador and former Governor of the Central Bank of Syria, on developing a functioning interbank market and deepening intermediation
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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 a long-term partnership based on trade, investment, technology and shared prosperity. For Syria, the…