Syrian Investment Opportunities .
China
With an area of about 9.6 million square kilometers, China is the third largest country in the world. It currently has the largest population on earth, with over 1.3 billion people. China has accelerated its growth and established itself as the second largest economy. China is now looked upon as the world’s Global Leader. Despite its rapid rate of development, China has always nurtured its long-standing relationship with the Arab world. Export volumes have increased significantly from China to all Arab nations (22 Nations); rising from USD$7.2 Billion in 2001 to USD$62 Billion in 2009. The statistics also prove that importation has also increased respectively; USD$70 billion in 2009, compared to USD$7.5 Billion in 2001.
Syria
Located in the heart of the Arab nations, Syria has long been considered the cradle of civilizations; rich in both history and culture, and also serving as the gateway to Asia, Africa, and Europe. With an area of 185,000 square kilometers, Syria accommodates a population of around 20 million.
Syria’s strategic geographical location makes it a great conduit for exchange for a large regional market. Besides all the neighbouring Arab nations, Syria has strategic access to encompassing markets in Iran, Turkey, Europe, and the former breakaway Soviet Republics. Although Syria’s consumer market is mostly based on its resident population of 20 million, the country in reality attracts around 50 million consumers. Residents of bordering countries, such as Iraq and Lebanon, are frequent travellers and consumers of Syria. As a member of the Arabic Free Trade Zone, Syria also enjoys duty-free access to a regional market of 200 million consumers. This zone includes some very powerful Arab nations, many of which have a very high GDP and present very attractive opportunities for Syrian businesses and investment.
The Forum
China has established strategic trading relations with the Arab world, with a special focus on Syria in particular. In order to bring to light the benefits of investment in Syria, the Arab China Commercial Associated and Cultural Exchange Council plans to hold a presentation highlighting the opportunities for Chinese investment in Syria, under the title “Investment Opportunities”. The Forum is scheduled to take place in Damascus, the Syrian capital on April 4th to April 7th, 2011, under the patronage of the Prime Minister Mr. Eng. Naji Al Otri and the Deputy Prime Minister Mr. Abdullah Al Dardari. This unique event will be coordinated by the Syrian Investment & Development Corporation.
Damascus was chosen as the hosting site due to the existence of many successful Chinese-Syrian joint-ventures in the city. Damascus has undergone exceptional economic growth and modernization, under the expert guidance and policies directed and charted by the President, Dr. Bashar Al Assad.
Arab China Commercial Associated and Cultural Exchange Council
The ACC is a private, non-profit organization, established with the aim of strengthening economic ties between China and the Arab world. The ACC also encourages dialogue and cultural exchange between the Arabs and Chinese, creating a more effective and true partnership between the two regions.
During this Forum, there will also be an official announcement of the establishment of a new ACC office in Damascus. The ACC will promote and educate interested parties on the investment opportunities in Syria.
Objective of the Forum
- Highlighting the advantages and benefits of investing in Syria; in the commercial, industrial and tourism sectors.
- Establishing a dialogue channel between business leaders in both nations, in order to bolster cooperation.
- Performing introductory meetings between the Chinese and Syrian companies
- Encouraging communication and harnessing the potential for educational and scientific exchange programs in both areas.
- Promoting cooperation between Syrian and Chinese businesses in order to make these joint ventures possible.
Why invest in Syria?
Strategic Geographical Location
Syria is centrally located between three continents; Asia, Africa and Europe. Syria is vital link between the Arabian Gulf and Europe.
Political Stability
Since 1970, Syria has enjoyed political stability. This stability is a solid foundation for investment; with new economic reforms in place, Syria is definitely a nation to be considered as a haven for investment.
Stable Currency
Since 1990, the value of the Syrian Pound has held stable against major currencies.
International Treaties
Recently, Syria has signed several international treaties; free trade with Lebanon, free trade with several other Arabic countries, the Larger Arabian Commercial Free Zone and the Mediterranean Europe-Syria Partnership. Syria has also applied to become a standing member of the WTO. Signing such treaties will make it easier for Syria to establish commercial exchange with its regional neighbours.
Investment Regulations
A wave of new investment regulations have been formulated with the objective of encouraging investment in the country. Amendments to byelaws concerning investment, banking operational standards and procedures, lending and the licensing of the formation of private banks are a few examples of this massive reform.
Human Resources
Syria’s literacy rate is considered one of the highest in the region. The younger generation are very well trained and educated. Syria has a huge base of human resources which investors and businesses alike can easily utilize.
Infrastructure
Syrian cities and towns are joined by a network of public roads and a modern transportation system. There are two major ports that border the Mediterranean, Lattakia and Tartous. There is a National Airline Carrier; Syrian Airlines, which mainly services all destinations in the Arab world, and also Europe and Africa. Syrian Etisalat is a Government-owned telecommunications network which offers consumers fixed-line telephone, fax and internet services. Two private companies are licensed to provide mobile phone services. Electricity is available to all Syrian cities and towns.
Industrial & Free Zones
Syria has four industrial zones; Damascus Suburbs, Aleppo, Homs, and Deir Al Zoor. There are several free zones all over the country, such as Damascus, Aleppo, Damascus Airport, Adra, Lattakia, Tartous, Lattakia Port, and Yarobiyah.
Investment Opportunities in Syria
Oil & Gas Sector
1. Exploration
2. Construction and operation of oil refineries
3. Petrochemical and other oil-based manufacturing
4. Construction and operation of gas stations
5. Oil Field Services
6. Investment and manufacturing in the oil sector
Energy Sector
1. Electrical Power Plants
2. Alternative Energy Projects
3. Energy Distribution Projects
4. Energy related industries
5. Investment in Energy Projects
Transport
1. Metro
2. Airports
3. Air Cargo
4. Chinese Airline Services
5. Public and private transport services
6. Air, sea, and land shipping
7. Roads, bridges, tunnels projects and maintenance
8. Auto assembly plants
9. Auto engine manufacturing and automotive parts
Electronics, IT, and Communications Sector
1. Manufacturing and assembly of electronics
2. Digital communications services
3. Interactive TV services
4. Software Development and Translation of Chinese software
5. e-Government technology implementation
6. Technology parks and IT incubator projects
7. Arab-Chinese Silicon Valley Project (Information Technology Park)
8. Twin city with Shenzhen’s IT industry
Construction & Property Development Sector
1. Housing Complexes
2. Relocation of refugees to new project housing.
3. Tourism and entertainment projects
4. Luxury housing and villas
5. Manufacturing of building materials
6. Chinese neighbourhoods (housing, commercial, services)
Health Care Sector
1. Pharmaceutical Production
2. Hospitals and Chinese Medical Centre
3. Healthcare Products Factories
Heavy Industry Sector
1. Recycling Industry
2. Heavy machinery
3. Metal industries
Agriculture & Food Sector
1. Agriculture and Farming
2. Irrigation
3. Food Production
Banking & Financial Sector
1. Private Banks
2. Financial & Investment Funds
3. Insurance
China Town
Damascus will be the foundation base for Chinese investment in Syria. The planning of a China Town will be announced during the Forum. The project will be managed and coordinated by the Syrian Investment & Development Corporation (SIDC), who initiated, conceived, and developed the concept.
China Town will include a Chinese theme mega shopping mall, a variety of Chinese restaurants offering different authentic Chinese ethnic cuisines, entertainment venues, parks, and a children entertainment centre. China Town will offer an impressive, enjoyable, and unique shopping experience.
Forum Activities
Cultural
Throughout the duration of the Forum, Syria will embrace the Chinese culture, with exhibitions showcasing Chinese art and folklore. Those activities will be held at the Opera House under the patronage of the Syrian Minister of Culture.
Field Trips
Field trips to various locations in Syria will be arranged for Forum delegates. These field trips will educate, demonstrate and provide an understanding of Syria.
Investments in Iraq
After the conclusion of the main Forum, there will be a special session highlighting possible investment opportunities in Iraq. This will be attended by the Commercial Attaché of the Embassy of Iraq and the Iraqi Investment Authority.
Forum Venue
The Workshop will be held at the five-star Ebla Hotel, which is located 10 minutes from the Damascus Airport by car, and 25 minutes drive from the city centre. The hotel has 440 rooms and several suites, in addition to two presidential suites. The hotel has numerous restaurants, conference rooms, and party halls. There is also an 18-hole golf course of international standard, a swimming pool, a sauna and a gym.
