Omer Asur Cuhadar
03 March 2025•Update: 03 March 2025
ISTANBUL
After seven years of operating discreetly in exile, the National Syria Gathering held its first conference in Damascus under government auspices and in the presence of over 100 Syrian businessmen from inside and outside the country.
The conference, opened by Finance Minister Mohamed Abazid, addressed vital issues related to education, health, technology, and the economy from Feb. 27 to March 2.
New economic vision and promised reforms
The conference was opened by Abazid, who emphasized the government's commitment to establishing a transparent and fair tax system that balances investor interests and public rights.
He clarified that privatization does not mean selling public assets but rather forming strategic partnerships to revitalize struggling enterprises and boost comprehensive economic growth.
Agriculture Minister Mohammad Taha Al-Ahmad, for his part, highlighted the pivotal role of the agriculture sector in Syria’s economy.
He pointed out that Syria’s unique agricultural products such as durum wheat, pistachios, olives, Arabian horses, and medicinal herbs hold significant export potential.
Collective vision for stability and development
In his opening speech, Moufid Karameh, head of the National Syria Gathering, underscored the urgent need for all Syrians to contribute to rebuilding their homeland.
"This Gathering was established abroad by patriotic Syrian businessmen, and now the time has come to work from inside Syria to support the government and uphold the principles of freedom, democracy, social justice, and the rule of law," he said.
Co-founder Tamer Al-Tunsi urged Syrian entrepreneurs to leverage their international connections to support government efforts in lifting sanctions.
He stressed that while the previous regime left behind a devastated economy and dire humanitarian conditions, the new leadership has initiated genuine reforms, including dismantling the Captagon trade, a major illicit drug industry, and eliminating exploitative laws.
Another founding member, Iyad Al-Najjar, emphasized the critical role of media in the success of national projects, citing Dubai as an example where strategic media policies played a key role in its rapid development.
Key themes for Syria’s future
The conference tackled major issues concerning education, healthcare, technology, and economic revival.
Mouayad Al-Rashid, an organizer of the conference, stressed the need for investing in human capital before focusing on infrastructure, proposing the establishment of a supreme education council to redefine Syria’s educational policies.
On the humanitarian front, Monzer Al-Bazreh, another member, highlighted the importance of immediate food aid distribution to affected families. In the legal domain, Dr. Moussa Metri, another member, called for judicial reforms to ensure legislative stability and economic confidence.
Economically, Dr. Layla Al-Samman, another member, emphasized the necessity of tax justice to stimulate investment while Haitham Joud said that Syria could achieve a $70 billion GDP through carefully planned and swift economic measures.
The conference was not just a theoretical discussion as specialized committees were immediately formed to ensure that the vision of the National Syria Gathering is translated into tangible actions, paving the way for a prosperous and independent Syria.
