\n 2026-06-26T13:58:02+00:00<\/p>\n
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Shafaq News- Damascus<\/p>\n
Economic obstacles are pushing Syrian industrialists toward
\nimporting finished goods instead of investing in domestic manufacturing, the
\nhead of the Energy and Gas Committee at the Damascus and Rural Damascus Chamber
\nof Industry told Shafaq News on Friday.<\/p>\n
Mohammad Marwan Orfali pointed out that economic cooperation
\nwith surrounding countries presents a strategic opportunity to attract
\ninvestment to Syria’s industrial cities. However, industrial projects typically
\nrequire five to ten years to recover invested capital, while importing can
\ngenerate profits within about six months.<\/p>\n
Syria’s industrial cities were built by Syrian expertise and
\ncontinue to serve investors efficiently, while exports from those cities to
\nneighboring markets remain very limited because imported goods continue to
\ndisplace locally manufactured products.<\/p>\n
He also pointed to challenges facing the joint
\nSyrian-Jordanian industrial zone, with restrictions imposed by both countries
\nhaving undermined its performance. \u201cSyria imposes unjustified fees on raw
\nmaterials, while Jordan applies strict scrutiny to import and export invoices.\u201d<\/p>\n
According to Orfali, the reopening of border crossings has
\nlargely benefited regional countries, arguing that high Turkish customs duties
\non Syrian products, along with higher tariffs and stricter import procedures
\nimposed by nearby states, have allowed imports to outpace exports and created
\nmajor obstacles for Syrian industrial exports. He added that efforts are
\nunderway to develop industries<\/a> tailored to the needs of neighboring markets.<\/p>\n