Small and medium-sized enterprises account for between 80% and 85% of Syria’s economy, while around 85% of the country’s workforce is employed in these sectors, according to Ihab Zakour, director of Syria’s Small and Medium Enterprises Authority.
Speaking on television, Zakour said Syria’s economy is largely family-based, which explains the prevalence of small, medium-sized and micro businesses. He added that these businesses can have a rapid economic impact because their capital cycles may last from a day or a week to several weeks or a month.
The authority is working to support the sector, particularly its role in creating jobs. Zakour said financing remains difficult, citing sanctions-related challenges faced last year and ongoing obstacles beyond the authority’s or central bank’s control.
For 2026, the authority is seeking to coordinate remaining funding from civil society organisations, the United Nations, NGOs and charities, while planning for 2027 based on needs submitted by governorates. It also plans to use a projects platform and an interactive map to direct development programmes toward local priorities.
Zakour said the authority’s new approach will support businesses from idea development and licensing through financing, marketing and potential transfer to incubators.
Source: Almodon
