The Governor of the Central Bank of Syria, Mohammad Safwan Raslan, affirmed that the bank is working to strengthen monetary and financial stability, in addition to developing the banking infrastructure and improving financial services and payment systems. This came during his participation in an economic conference, according to what SANA news agency reported today, Wednesday, emphasizing that these efforts aim to provide a more suitable business environment for investment in Syria.
Supporting Productive Projects and Partnership with the Private Sector
Raslan clarified that supporting productive projects represents direct support for investment and contributes to creating job opportunities. He stressed that the next phase requires an effective partnership between the state and the private sector to drive economic development. He pointed out that the Central Bank is aware of the extent of existing challenges and continues to work on developing the banking sector and improving payment systems and financial services, as part of efforts aimed at boosting economic activity and supporting the business environment in the country.
The First National Conference for Private Sector Dialogue for 2026
The statements by the Governor of the Central Bank coincide with the proceedings of the First National Conference for Private Sector Dialogue for 2026, which began on Monday in the capital Damascus and continues until today, Wednesday. The conference sees wide participation from government representatives, economic figures, and businessmen from inside and outside Syria, and is organized by the Ministry of Economy and Industry in cooperation with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and in partnership with the Government of Japan.
Discussion Themes and the Importance of the Conference
The conference discusses economic recovery files and improving the business and investment environment, in addition to strengthening the private sector's role in supporting local production, contributing to the formulation of economic policies, and building effective partnerships with the public sector. Raslan pointed out the importance of the conference in bringing together decision-makers, industrialists, experts, and international partners at one table, thereby allowing for discussion of economic challenges and opportunities available to the Syrian economy.
Shifting Economic Dialogue Inward
This conference is considered the first edition to be held inside Syria after seven previous sessions were held outside the country. This step reflects a trend towards shifting the economic dialogue inward and linking it to the needs of the current phase and the requirements for development and investment in the country.
