Syria Adopts Saudi-Developed Investor Protection Framework
Damascus, The Gulf Observer: In a landmark move toward economic reconstruction, Syria has formally adopted a Saudi-developed agreement for the protection of foreign investors, signaling a new era of investment cooperation between Damascus and Riyadh. The decision was announced during a ministerial session of the Syrian-Saudi Investment Forum 2025, held Thursday with the participation of high-level officials and ministers from both nations.
The agreement lays the legal and strategic foundation for attracting foreign capital into Syria’s recovering economy, benefiting from Saudi Arabia’s vast experience in economic transformation and sectoral development.
Saudi Minister of Investment, Eng. Khalid Al-Falih, described the event as a turning point for Syria. “We are confident that Syrians will revive their country’s economy. Transparency and investor guarantees are essential and encouraging,” he stated. “What we’re witnessing today will spark a wave of projects in Damascus.”
Syria’s Minister of Economy and Foreign Trade, Mohammad Al-Shaar, hailed the agreement as a long-awaited opportunity. “We were deprived of this relationship for 60 years due to personal interests on the Syrian side,” he remarked, emphasizing Syria’s admiration for the Saudi model of economic reform. He outlined a three-phase process for all investment ventures—exploration, consultation, and execution—highlighting Syria’s commitment to creating a secure and attractive investment climate through constitutional guarantees and modern legislation.
Tourism Minister Mazen Al-Salehani added momentum to the forum by announcing the development of new four- and five-star resorts and hotels. He also introduced a redesigned ministry website to streamline investor communication. Stressing the importance of Syria’s rich historical assets, Al-Salehani highlighted the potential of “return tourism,” wherein Syrians abroad revisit and reinvest in their homeland. He further emphasized local community engagement, noting: “Every investment will involve the local population in building the future.”
Chairman of the Saudi-Syrian Business Council, Mohammed Abunayyan, reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s long-term commitment to Syria’s reconstruction. “Saudi investors are here as long-term partners, not merchants,” he said, praising Syrian President Ahmad Al-Sharaa’s comprehensive economic vision and describing it as a cornerstone for sustainable strategic development. He also pointed to Saudi Arabia’s efforts to rally international alliances for investing in Syria’s future.
Talal Al-Hilali, Director General of the Syrian Investment Authority, underscored the shared commitment between the two countries to restore investor confidence. “Our top priority now is to protect investors and ensure business certainty,” he affirmed.
The adoption of the Saudi-developed foreign investment protection agreement is seen as a major milestone in Syria’s economic recovery roadmap and a powerful signal to the international business community. It reflects a mutual determination by Riyadh and Damascus to cultivate a secure, transparent, and growth-oriented environment for long-term investment.
