In a significant push towards modernizing its transport sector, Syria’s Ministry of Transport has partnered with local ride-sharing application YallaGo to launch the “MOVE” Entrepreneurship Forum in Digital Transport. Held in Damascus, the event served as the first national platform to unite government bodies, private sector leaders, and emerging startups, aiming to tackle challenges and unlock opportunities within the country’s digital transport ecosystem.
Public-Private Collaboration At The Forefront
The forum underscored a strategic focus on public-private partnerships as the cornerstone for development. Yaarub Badr, the Minister of Transport, highlighted the event’s role in creating a more efficient and sustainable transport sector that improves services for citizens. This sentiment was echoed by Abd al-Salam Haykal, Minister of Communications and Information Technology, who affirmed the government’s commitment to fostering a supportive digital environment for entrepreneurial ventures, leveraging Syria’s geographic position to become a regional hub for digital logistics.
An International Perspective On Innovation
Omar Alghabra, the former Canadian Minister of Transport, participated virtually, emphasizing that innovation and digital transformation are crucial for overcoming the challenges facing Syria’s transport sector. He pointed to digitalization and sustainability as the foundations for revitalizing the movement of people and goods. Alghabra noted that adopting digital technologies, updating infrastructure, and utilizing AI are essential steps to attract global investment and enhance operational efficiency across multimodal transport systems.
Ambitious Goals And A Startup Showcase
The Ministry outlined an ambitious roadmap, with Mohammed Marie, Director of the Information Directorate, announcing a goal to digitize 60% of transport services by 2028 through a unified national platform. The forum also served as a launchpad for local innovation, with 138 entrepreneurial projects submitted for evaluation. A selection of promising startups was showcased, including “Raqeeb” for road monitoring and safety, “Tazkarti” for smart ticketing, “Hop Hop” for car-sharing, “Zajil” for freight shipping, and “Housh Plus,” Syria’s first AI-supported car marketplace.
About The MOVE Forum
The “MOVE” Entrepreneurship Forum in Digital Transport is a national initiative organized by Syria’s Ministry of Transport in collaboration with YallaGo. It aims to create a strategic platform connecting government entities, private sector investors, and technology entrepreneurs to accelerate the digital transformation of the country’s transportation and logistics industries, fostering innovation and sustainable development.
Source: Al-Wehda
