Economy Minister: Syria Entered Economic and Political Reform Stage

Minister of Economy and Trade Mohammad Nidal al-Shaar affirmed on Wednesday that Syria an economic and political reform stage to meet the demands of citizens and that the government responded actively, noting that sometimes expectations are higher than what is provided.

In interviews with Sky News and CNN, al-Shaar said that there is crisis that Syria must overcome before envisioning solutions, particularly in economy, adding that actual work is currently taking place and that there are many positive points in economy.

“We are seeking to improve our performance… we will do what is necessary to reach our goals,” he said, pointing out that economy must be motivated and that there is indeed a slump, but that this slump isn’t linked to the current events but is also affected by the earlier global economic crisis.

Al-Shaar said that Syria is a rich country and that the government is working to reallocate and invest resources to serve economy, adding that comprehensive investment incentives were provided.

Regarding cooperation with Europe, the minister noted that Syria differentiates between European policy and the European people, affirming that there are deep-rooted relations and history and shared values and culture between the European and Syrian people, which have impact in many fields including economy. He also stressed the importance of continuing cooperation with the European community.

Al-Shaar pointed out that each country has its unique circumstances and resources, and that Syria must benefit from its available resources, saying that there is currently a new mentality in economic policy based on partnership between citizens and the government, adding that the government is attempting to bridge the gap that used to exist between it and citizens.