Damascus World Economic Forum Aims for Direct Investment and Partnerships
Running parallel to the Damascus International Fair, the economic forum paves the way for tangible collaborations and contracts in reconstruction, tourism, energy, and infrastructure.
The Damascus World Economic Forum aims to transform commercial and investment activities at the Damascus International Fair into direct partnerships, projects, and contracts. With Syria's growth expected to reach 11.3 percent in 2026, the forum seeks new collaborations in reconstruction, tourism, energy, and infrastructure.
Investment and Partnership Platform
The Damascus World Economic Forum transforms commercial and investment participation at the Damascus International Fair from a structure where products and opportunities are merely displayed into a platform where projects, contracts, and partnerships are directly negotiated.
The forum aims to bring together the government, the private sector, investors, and international partners within the scope of an economic process conducted in parallel with the fair.
Opening Session at the Palace of Conventions
A high-level economic session was held with the participation of Syrian and international officials at the Palace of Conventions in Damascus on August 20, coinciding with the opening of the 63rd Damascus International Fair.
The session discussed the foundations for establishing the forum and its role in supporting investment and economic cooperation.
Economic Growth and Commercial Registry Data
According to data from the Ministry of Economy and Industry, the number of registered companies and commercial records in Syria exceeded 10,000 in the first half of this year.
Estimates by the Ministry of Finance align with expectations from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) that the Syrian economy will grow by more than 10 percent in 2026, with the growth rate projected at approximately 11.3 percent.
Broad International Participation
The Damascus World Economic Forum builds on the broad international participation provided by the Damascus International Fair, which features 1,000 organizations from nearly 60 countries, alongside more than 40 Syrian ministries, institutions, and organizations.
Mohammad Hamza, General Manager of the General Organization for Fairs and International Markets, stated that the forum provides opportunities for direct business meetings, including B2B meetings between companies and B2G meetings between companies and public institutions.
Potential Investment Areas and Projects
Minister of Economy and Industry Nidal Al-Shaar had announced the launch of the forum on August 28 within the scope of the Damascus International Fair.
Real estate development, infrastructure, energy, tourism, manufacturing, and logistics services are among the potential investment areas.
Economic advisor Ziyad Arabsh stated that residential and commercial complexes as well as smart cities could be developed, and tourism investments could be attracted.