The Syrian Ministry of Economy and Industry and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), with the support of the Government of Japan, have announced the eighth edition of the Syrian Private Sector Dialogue (PSD8). Scheduled to take place from March 30 to April 1, 2026, this landmark event marks the first time the dialogue will be held within Syria since its inception in 2018. The initiative serves as a critical platform for business leaders, policymakers, and international partners to collaborate on the nation’s economic recovery and long-term development.
A New Milestone For National Ownership
The transition of the dialogue to Damascus signifies a major shift toward localization and national ownership of Syria’s economic trajectory. Previously held outside the country to ensure neutral participation, the move to convene PSD8 in the capital reflects growing confidence in the domestic business environment. The three-day forum aims to define the economic pillars of a renewed social contract, grounded in private sector leadership and institutional reform.
Strategic Objectives For Economic Recovery
The PSD8 framework is built around several key objectives designed to create an inclusive and resilient economy. The dialogue will focus on providing a comprehensive evidence base regarding the current state of the Syrian private sector, identifying risks and opportunities in regulation, finance, and market access. Furthermore, the event is designed to foster an inclusive environment that empowers women and youth entrepreneurs, alongside established business leaders and members of the diaspora.
Multilateral Engagement And Reform
The agenda for the 2026 dialogue is structured to facilitate deep dives into cross-sectoral challenges. Key sessions will address the legal and regulatory environment, taxation, access to credit, and the modernization of value chains. By bringing together local private sector actors from manufacturing, agriculture, trade, and finance, the dialogue seeks to mobilize specific commitments to reform from both public institutions and international development partners.
About Syrian Private Sector Dialogue
The Syrian Private Sector Dialogue (PSD) is a flagship initiative led by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and supported by the Government of Japan. Since 2018, it has functioned as a trusted, evidence-based platform for entrepreneurs and policymakers to address structural challenges and advance practical solutions for the Syrian economy. The eighth edition (PSD8) focuses on building a shared vision for an open and competitive market through public-private cooperation and multi-stakeholder engagement.
Source: UNDP
