The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) is hosting the 41st session of the Standing Committee for Economic and Commercial Cooperation (COMCEC) in Istanbul, Turkey, bringing together representatives from across the Islamic world to enhance trade and development ties, including a Syrian delegation.
The session included a meeting of senior officials from COMCEC member states, attended by Deputy Minister of Economy and Industry Basel Abdulhanan. Discussions focused on strengthening economic and commercial cooperation, supporting investments, and advancing joint initiatives to promote economic integration among member countries.
The Syrian Development Fund (SYDF) also participated as a key partner in supporting development and investment projects within Syria. Representatives presented several ongoing programs aimed at advancing sustainable growth and discussed mechanisms for financing joint economic initiatives among COMCEC members.
Special Session on Syria’s Reconstruction Efforts
A dedicated session titled “The Role of Institutional and Human Capacities in the Reconstruction Process: The Case of the Syria” focused on Syria’s reconstruction priorities. Participants examined strategies for strengthening national institutions, enhancing human capital, and creating an environment conducive to investment and long-term development.
Speakers emphasized the importance of integrating governmental, regional, and international efforts to achieve sustainable progress. The session also explored lessons learned from post-conflict recovery experiences in countries such as Vietnam and Rwanda, which achieved significant economic growth by investing in human resources, empowering national institutions, and implementing flexible development policies.
Experts noted that the failure of some countries to recover after conflict often stems from weak institutional frameworks and the lack of a coherent economic vision.
Participants agreed that Syria’s recovery depends on its qualified workforce, infrastructure rehabilitation, and a unified national will to rebuild the economy based on productivity, inclusiveness, and developmental justice. They also stressed the importance of drawing from international expertise and successful models within the framework of Islamic cooperation.
Syrian-Turkish Talks to Strengthen Trade and Investment
On the sidelines of the conference, Syrian Minister of Economy and Industry Nidal al-Shaar met with Turkish Minister of Trade Omar Bolat to discuss ways to enhance economic and trade cooperation between Syria and Turkey, as well as the potential for joint investment projects during the reconstruction phase.
Both sides emphasized the importance of the private sector in supporting economic relations and opening new channels for cooperation in trade, industry, and investment. The Syrian delegation included representatives from the Syrian Development Fund and the Syrian-Turkish Business Council.
Established in 1981 and operational since 1984, COMCEC includes 57 member states and five observer countries representing four continents. The committee serves as a platform to address shared economic challenges and coordinate efforts among OIC member states promoting development and prosperity across the Islamic world.
