Amid increasingly intense international diplomacy, Syria has returned to the global stage with a long-term development agenda. Syrian Minister of Industry and Economy, Dr. Muhammad Nidal Al-Shaar, participated in the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4), held in Seville, Spain. At this high-level event, Syria introduced its Vision 2035 — a roadmap for economic recovery and sustainable development after years of conflict.
In his speech, Al-Shaar explained that Vision 2035 is not just about post-war rebuilding but also focuses on developing productive sectors and strengthening private sector partnerships. He stressed the importance of reforming economic regulations to create a more business-friendly environment for both domestic and international investors. Without this, he argued, recovery programs would struggle to succeed.
Al-Shaar highlighted efforts to rebuild Syria’s industry, energy, and infrastructure sectors, much of which were destroyed during the war. He noted that the government is drafting new incentive policies for investors and aims to empower the private sector to help drive the national economy. In this effort, cross-border cooperation and international financial support are crucial.
Speaking before world leaders and global economic experts, Al-Shaar called for reforms to the global financial system to make it fairer, especially for crisis-hit countries like Syria. He emphasized the need for easier access to affordable financing and debt relief so that countries can rebuild their economies independently.
Beyond presenting Syria’s macroeconomic vision, Al-Shaar also held bilateral meetings with representatives from international financial and development institutions. These talks focused on potential partnerships in energy, agriculture, infrastructure, and manufacturing — with hopes of securing practical agreements soon.
Vision 2035 is Syria’s long-term plan to build a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable economy. The program prioritizes sectors such as renewable energy, manufacturing, and modern agricultural technology. The government also aims to create thousands of new jobs in local industries.
Within this framework, Syria plans to introduce new regulations offering tax incentives and streamlined licensing for investors, especially in strategic sectors. Al-Shaar expressed confidence that with strong policy backing and agency coordination, Syria could revive its economy faster than many might expect.
The Seville conference, attended by dozens of world leaders and economic institutions, also adopted a key document titled The Seville Commitment. This agreement calls for comprehensive reforms to the global development financing system, including debt restructuring, international tax system reforms, and increased investment in sustainable development goals.
Al-Shaar also stressed that Syria’s biggest challenge today is not just rebuilding damaged structures but restoring economic confidence and creating decent jobs. He believes that by creating a more stable business environment, investment flows into Syria can gradually recover.
One of the main pillars of Vision 2035 is expanding clean, renewable energy. Syria plans to boost solar and wind power generation while modernizing its national power grid to meet growing electricity needs and reduce dependency on fossil fuels.
In the industrial sector, the government is targeting the revitalization of key industrial zones around Damascus, Aleppo, and Homs — areas that were once economic hubs before the conflict. Tax exemptions and credit facilities will be offered to investors willing to reinvest in these sectors.
For agriculture, Syria is preparing programs to modernize irrigation systems and develop organic farming initiatives. These efforts aim to improve national food security and provide livelihoods for rural communities heavily affected by the war.
Al-Shaar emphasized that sustainable development can only succeed by involving local communities. Vision 2035 includes expanding job training and vocational education programs to equip young people with skills suited to a modern labor market.
He also highlighted the importance of the Syrian diaspora, calling on professionals and entrepreneurs abroad to take part in rebuilding Syria and investing in key development sectors.
As part of Syria’s economic diplomacy, Al-Shaar invited partner countries to work with Syria in infrastructure and manufacturing development across the Middle East. He argued that a stable Syria would directly contribute to broader regional security and economic growth.
Despite the immense challenges, Syria’s government remains optimistic about achieving the goals set in Vision 2035. With strong political will and public support, Syria hopes to rebuild itself as a self-reliant, economically sovereign nation.
The FfD4 conference in Seville marked an important moment for Syria to voice its aspirations on the global stage. It showed the country’s determination to re-engage with the international economic community.
Observers have described Vision 2035 as a realistic, necessary strategy given Syria’s current circumstances. With careful planning, better use of local resources, and mutually beneficial international partnerships, Syria has the potential to become an emerging economic force in the region.
In closing his address, Al-Shaar called on all international partners to work together in building a new, peaceful, and prosperous Syria. He expressed hope that the conference in Seville would lead to strategic partnerships that benefit both Syria and regional economic stability.
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