A significant milestone has been achieved in Syria’s industrial sector, with over 1,500 factories resuming operations following key governmental reforms. According to Muhammad Yassin, Assistant Minister at the Syrian Ministry of Industry, the revival is a direct result of a recent decision to exempt imported industrial machinery from all customs duties, signaling a notable recovery and growing confidence in the nation’s economic landscape.
A Surge in Investor Confidence
The ministry is reportedly receiving daily inquiries from industrial investors outside of Syria, a clear indicator of renewed trust in the country’s industrial environment. The province of Aleppo has seen the largest share of returning industrial facilities, followed closely by areas in the Damascus countryside, including the Adra Industrial City. The resurgence spans a diverse range of sectors, with licenses being granted for chemical, textile, food, and engineering industries.
Government Reforms Fueling Industrial Growth
To bolster this recovery, the ministry has introduced substantial facilities for investors. These measures include the removal of outdated restrictions and the liberalization of industries previously monopolized by the state, such as water bottling. Furthermore, the process for importing raw materials has been simplified by removing the need for import licenses, and export procedures have been streamlined to foster a more competitive and open market. The ministry has also initiated a comprehensive review of existing industrial regulations to update the legal framework in line with current economic demands.
Streamlined Approvals Accelerate Recovery
A key catalyst for this industrial reactivation has been the simplification and acceleration of the approval process. Yassin confirmed that the procedure—from factory site selection and securing the industrial decision to applying for the customs exemption—now takes no longer than one week. This expedited timeline is crucial for quickly restoring industrial activity and boosting national productivity.
About The Syrian Ministry of Industry
The Syrian Ministry of Industry is the government entity tasked with overseeing and developing the industrial sector in Syria. It is responsible for creating policies, updating regulations, and providing support to facilitate industrial investment and growth, aiming to enhance the sector’s contribution to the national economy.
Source: Economy Today
