In an exclusive interview with “Al Sharq” channel, Syrian Minister of Economy and Industry, Dr. Mohammad Nidal Al-Shaar, discussed the Syrian government’s vision to rebuild the national economy, emphasizing that lifting sanctions on the “SWIFT” financial system would have a significant positive impact on the Syrian economy. His statements opened a wide debate on the Syrian government’s priorities in the current economic context, highlighting the importance of international cooperation in rehabilitating the local economy.
Do financial sanctions constitute a real obstacle to economic growth?
The minister spoke frankly about the international sanctions imposed on Syria, highlighting their major impact on the Syrian financial system, especially regarding Syrian banks’ access to the global financial system. He confirmed that “lifting sanctions on SWIFT will not cost the United States much, but it will immediately affect the Syrian economy,” pointing out that banks are “the bloodstream of any economy in the world.” These statements raise the question: Could lifting the sanctions be the key to revitalizing Syria’s economy, and could the Syrian banking system resume its activity in the global market if these sanctions were lifted?
Rebuilding Syria: Is it a historic opportunity or just promises?
During his discussion of the government’s plan to revitalize the economy, Mr. Al-Shaar emphasized that his priority was to improve the living standards of Syrian citizens, with a focus on attracting youth and Syrian talents. He stated, “I seek to attract youth, talents, and Syrian expertise, and our goal is to improve the living conditions of citizens.” These statements open the door for analysis: Can the Syrian government truly attract these talents under the current conditions? Is there a realistic plan to improve the living conditions of citizens who are facing difficult economic circumstances?
A historic opportunity to build a strong economy: Can Syria seize it?
The minister confirmed that Syria is facing a “historic opportunity to invent the new Syria,” calling to seize this opportunity to build a strong and sustainable economy. But the question remains: Does Syria truly have the necessary conditions for this historic opportunity? What concrete actions will be taken to realize this vision, in a complex political and economic context?
Syrian Industrial Sector: A Beginning of Recovery or a Temporary Phase?
Regarding the industrial sector, Mr. Al-Shaar mentioned that 400 factories in Aleppo have resumed operation, which marks the beginning of industrial sector recovery. But is this recovery enough? Can these factories rebuild the country’s production capacity given the ongoing logistical and financial challenges? He also noted that some industrialists have started importing modern equipment and production machines, which is an important step toward modernizing the industrial sector. However, the question remains: Are these initiatives enough to meet local market needs and return to the pre-crisis economic level?
Government Coordination: Will It Deliver Results?
One of the key points raised by the minister was the great coordination between various government entities, highlighting that the harmony between the Ministry of Economy, the Central Bank, and the Ministry of Finance will contribute greatly to achieving the economic goals for the upcoming phase. But will this coordination translate into tangible results on the ground? Will the government be able to achieve these ambitious economic goals in the face of both internal and external challenges?
Conclusion: What to Expect from the Syrian Economy?
Dr. Mohammad Nidal Al-Shaar’s statements reflect a strategic vision for rebuilding the Syrian economy on new foundations, with a focus on international cooperation and effective use of local resources. But the most important question remains: Will the Syrian government be able to implement this vision successfully? Will internal and external political and economic conditions be conducive to these major transformations?
