2026-06-26T13:58:02+00:00
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Shafaq News- Damascus
Economic obstacles are pushing Syrian industrialists toward
importing finished goods instead of investing in domestic manufacturing, the
head of the Energy and Gas Committee at the Damascus and Rural Damascus Chamber
of Industry told Shafaq News on Friday.
Mohammad Marwan Orfali pointed out that economic cooperation
with surrounding countries presents a strategic opportunity to attract
investment to Syria’s industrial cities. However, industrial projects typically
require five to ten years to recover invested capital, while importing can
generate profits within about six months.
Syria’s industrial cities were built by Syrian expertise and
continue to serve investors efficiently, while exports from those cities to
neighboring markets remain very limited because imported goods continue to
displace locally manufactured products.
He also pointed to challenges facing the joint
Syrian-Jordanian industrial zone, with restrictions imposed by both countries
having undermined its performance. “Syria imposes unjustified fees on raw
materials, while Jordan applies strict scrutiny to import and export invoices.”
According to Orfali, the reopening of border crossings has
largely benefited regional countries, arguing that high Turkish customs duties
on Syrian products, along with higher tariffs and stricter import procedures
imposed by nearby states, have allowed imports to outpace exports and created
major obstacles for Syrian industrial exports. He added that efforts are
underway to develop industries tailored to the needs of neighboring markets.
“Investors ultimately follow financial returns, warning that
unless investment conditions improve in Syria, businesses will continue
importing rather than manufacturing them locally,” he concluded.