The Association for the Advancement of Cost Engineering (AACE) International organized a conference titled “Driving Excellence in Syria’s Reconstruction,” featuring experts and consultants from Syria, as well as foreign and Arab countries, in the fields of engineering, construction, marketing, and law.
The event focuses on empowering Syria’s reconstruction efforts through modern tools in project planning, cost control, dispute management, and infrastructure governance. The conference aims to place best practices at the core of rebuilding Syria with a clear vision: reconstruction based on standards, skills, and transparency.
Panel discussions addressed investment laws in Syria, recent amendments designed to encourage investment and contracting companies, public-private partnerships (PPP), dispute resolution in construction projects and foreign investment, and the development of legal frameworks to protect foreign investors and attract them to the Syrian market.
Launching Five Technical Associations
Minister of Communications and Technology Abdulsalam Haykal stressed the importance of this conference as a venue for consultants, engineers, and experts who define standards, identify deficiencies, and establish new criteria.
He announced the launch of five technical associations that will bring together more than 150 professionals from among Syrians inside the country and abroad. Haykal noted that Syria is undergoing a significant transition in the telecommunications sector, aiming to provide communication services suited to the needs of the 21st century.
Facilitation and Benefits of the New Syrian Investment Law
In a discussion session with specialists in real estate development, Talal al-Hilali, head of the Syrian Investment Authority, outlined the facilitation and benefits offered by the new investment law. The law aims to stimulate investment across various economic sectors, particularly given the reconstruction challenges Syria currently faces.
Hilali reviewed promising investment opportunities available in the Syrian market for both local and international investors, confirming that the Investment Authority continues to simplify procedures and create a welcoming environment to attract capital and support major projects that contribute to reconstruction and economic growth.
Opening of AACE Section in Syria
Muhammad Daaboul, chair of AACE Syria Section, announced during the conference that a Syrian chapter of AACE would launch to connect with professionals working in engineering and construction fields.
The establishment of the Syrian Section opens the door for training programs, certifications, networking events, and local professional development opportunities, positioning young Syrian engineers, planners, and project managers to take the lead in future reconstruction efforts according to international standards.
Conference organizer Maysar Taqi al-Din stated that the objective is to rebuild Syria correctly after the war and establish proper contracting mechanisms to avoid future disputes. She noted that the conference features 25 speakers from outside Syria, 20 of whom are of Syrian origin.
Syria’s reconstruction requires the participation of its people both inside the country and abroad. The conference extends an open invitation to Syrian experts in the diaspora to join the Section, contribute their expertise, and help shape the next chapter of Syria’s development.
