In the framework of cooperation with international organizations supporting projects and sustainable economic growth, a delegation from the French Development Agency (AFD)—represented by Mr. Antoine Bouge, the agency’s representative in Syria, and Ms. Reem Kaed Bey, the agency’s representative in Jordan—visited the headquarters of the Syrian Federation of Chambers of Industry. The delegation was accompanied by Ms. Tuuli Ratti, Head of Private Sector and Trade Programs for the European Commission Delegation to Syria.The delegation was received by Dr. Mazen Deirwan, President of the Syrian Federation of Chambers of Industry, Mr. Iyad Betinjaneh, Member of the Federation's Bureau, and Mr. Khaldoun Dado, Director of the Federation.Mr. Antoine provided an overview of the agency’s work in delivering technical, financial, and training assistance to governments as well as micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), based on studies identifying the specific needs and priorities of each sector. Concurrently, Ms. Tuuli outlined the European Commission Delegation's efforts in Syria to encourage and facilitate the removal of business barriers between Syria and the European Union. She highlighted the availability of financial support programs offering grants and loans, in cooperation with international agencies and Syrian financing banks, to develop and grow MSMEs in Syria.In turn, Dr. Mazen welcomed the guests, noting that despite the lifting of old sanctions and barriers, certain obstacles still hinder Syria's trade exchange with some European countries. He called for intervention to facilitate business transactions and the export of Syrian products to Europe. Furthermore, he emphasized a major opportunity for cooperation and synergy between Syria and Europe, given the rising production costs in Europe and fierce competition from East Asia. European companies, he suggested, could invest in Syria—particularly in labor-intensive industries such as textiles, food processing, agriculture, and machinery manufacturing. This would enable European firms to reduce costs by leveraging Syria’s strategic geographical location, its proximity to Middle Eastern and African markets, and its skilled workforce. He concluded by reaffirming the government’s commitment to a free-market economy in Syria, noting expectations for qualitative leaps in the country's economic growth indicators
10/9/2026
