With broad participation from entrepreneurs, investors, and experts from Syria and abroad, the Ministry of Transport—working in partnership with the ride-sharing application YallaGo—held the MOVE Digital Transport Entrepreneurship Forum at the Seven Gates Hotel in Damascus.
The event served as the first national platform to bring together government institutions, the private sector, and startups specializing in digital transport. Its goal was to discuss challenges, share experiences, and identify opportunities to advance the sector through modern technology and innovation.
Public-Private Partnership Driving Transformation
Minister of Transport Yarub Badr described the forum as a pioneering step in Syria’s digital transformation, emphasizing that cooperation between public and private entities is essential to modernizing the transport sector. He highlighted the importance of developing sustainable systems and improving services for citizens.
Minister of Communications and Technology Abdulsalam Haykal noted that Syria possesses the necessary foundation for innovation, as well as a strategic geographic position enabling it to become a regional hub for digital transport. He added that the government is committed to creating a supportive environment for startups and digital entrepreneurship to foster new economic opportunities.
Innovation as a Path to Recovery and Growth
Former Canadian Transport Minister Omar al-Ghabra participated online, stating that the challenges facing Syria’s transport sector after liberation can be addressed through digital innovation and sustainable practices. He emphasized that technology and smart systems are key to revitalizing transport infrastructure and improving the movement of people and goods.
Ghabra also stressed the role of digital tools in attracting investment and increasing operational efficiency, stressing that the use of artificial intelligence, multimodal systems, and updated infrastructure will help drive progress in the years ahead.
Digital Platforms to Streamline Freight and Services
Khalid Kashha, director of the Goods Transport Regulation Directorate at the Ministry of Transport, said the forum aims to support the creation of digital platforms to organize freight transport and strengthen vehicle monitoring systems. These platforms, he explained, will enhance logistics management, improve safety, and generate accurate data for decision-making.
Muhammad Marai, director of the Informatics Directorate, added the ministry intends to digitize 60 percent of transport services by 2028 through a unified national platform designed to improve efficiency and coordination between stakeholders.
Toward a Smart and Sustainable Transport Future
Participants discussed key barriers to digital transformation, including limited infrastructure, insufficient funding, and regulatory gaps. The forum concluded by calling for stronger collaboration among investors, entrepreneurs, and government bodies to support innovation and sustainable development.
The MOVE Digital Transport Entrepreneurship Forum represents a major step toward advancing innovation in Syria’s transport sector, contributing to the modernization of infrastructure and positioning the country on the regional and international map of smart and digital transport systems.
