The joint Syrian-Egyptian Economic Forum, held today, is exploring ways to strengthen economic relations between the two countries and expand opportunities for investment and trade cooperation. The forum seeks to reinforce existing partnerships while opening new pathways toward deeper economic integration.
Organized by the Federation of Syrian Chambers of Commerce in cooperation with the Federation of Egyptian Chambers of Commerce and under the patronage of the Ministry of Economy and Industry, the forum reflects a shared commitment by economic institutions in both countries to advance bilateral cooperation and support joint initiatives.
Restoring Economic Relations
Engineer Khaldoun al-Mawqie, Head of the Syrian Businessmen’s Association in Egypt, emphasized the importance of returning Syrian-Egyptian economic relations to their natural course. He described Egypt as one of the most important markets for Syrian exports, stressing the need to facilitate trade, enhance communication between business communities, and encourage the establishment of small and medium-sized industrial partnerships.
Mawqie highlighted the significance of the Federation of Egyptian Chambers of Commerce, which represents millions of private-sector members across diverse economic activities. Its participation, he noted, opens broad prospects for cooperation in sectors such as infrastructure, construction, energy, telecommunications, and industry, areas that directly support growth in both economies.
Industrial Zones and a Joint Chamber of Commerce
Pointing to Egypt’s successful experience in developing industrial zones, Mawqie underlined the potential for transferring and adapting this model in Syria as part of post-liberation reconstruction and industrial revival.
For his part, Alaa Omar al-Ali, President of the Federation of Syrian Chambers of Commerce, revealed that the forum’s agenda includes signing a landmark agreement to establish a joint Syrian-Egyptian Chamber of Commerce. “Trade is our bridge to the world,” he said, affirming the Federation’s readiness to support any agreement that strengthens commercial ties between the two countries.
Ali explained that the joint chamber would serve as a direct institutional link between the Syrian and Egyptian private sectors, facilitating trade exchange and opening the door to joint investment projects.
A Deep-Rooted Economic Partnership
The forum convenes against the backdrop of a long-standing economic partnership, particularly following Egypt’s role since 2011 as a key destination for Syrian investment. Thousands of Syrian industrialists and entrepreneurs relocated to Egypt during the years of repression, rebuilding businesses in vital sectors and becoming active contributors to the Egyptian economy.
Paving the Way for Expanded Cooperation
The forum also comes amid Syria’s renewed economic openness following the lifting of certain restrictions and sanctions. Syrian-Egyptian relations have gained additional political and economic momentum after Syria’s liberation, reflected in Egypt’s continued support for Syria’s unity and sovereignty, close diplomatic coordination, and the signing of two memoranda of understanding in the fields of gas and energy on January 5, 2026. Together, these developments position the forum as a practical step toward deeper economic integration and a more robust partnership between Syria and Egypt in the coming phase.
