Under the patronage of the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MOCIT), the Syrian Computer Society (SCS) organized the Syrian-Lebanese Business Forum in cooperation with Lebanon’s Professional Computer Association (PCA) and the Arab Region Internet Service Providers’ Association (ARISPA).
The forum aimed to enhance economic and technical cooperation between Syria and Lebanon through dialogue and the exchange of expertise. It brought together business leaders, experts, decision-makers, and companies operating in the fields of technology, software, and communications.
Building a Comprehensive Digital Future
In his opening address, MOCIT Minister Eng. Abdulsalam Haykal affirmed the ministry is working to build an integrated digital future by modernizing digital infrastructure and developing effective electronic services meeting citizens’ needs.
He explained current priorities include strengthening cybersecurity, establishing digital leadership, creating an attractive investment environment, and building competitive human capital. Haykal noted the ministry is focusing on regional and international integration through strategic projects, including the SilkLink project.
An Open Invitation for Partnership and Investment
Haykal said the ministry follows an “open-door” policy to build partnerships based on transparency and trust. He invited regional and international companies, particularly Lebanese firms, to invest in Syria’s communications and information technology sector in partnership with local expertise to ensure sustainable success.
He stressed that the real measure of cooperation lies in implementation on the ground, affirming the ministry’s commitment to providing a clear investment environment and facilitating procedures for investors.
Strengthening Cooperation and Expanding Partnership Horizons
Speaking to Levant24, ARISPA Chairman Firas Bakour said the forum aims to introduce Lebanese companies to the investment opportunities available in Syria’s information and communications technology sector.
He described the Syrian market as promising, noting that the ICT sector represents a fundamental pillar for the development of economic and service sectors. Bakour pointed to the Syrian-Jordanian Business Forum and recently signed agreements between Syria and Saudi Arabia as indicators of the Syrian market’s importance to Arab companies.
Kamal al-Munjed, head of the Syrian IT Companies Forum, told Levant24 Syrian companies must be key partners in future reconstruction projects ensuring knowledge transfer and technology localization. He said Syria’s digital transformation has already begun with foundational steps requiring support for local programmers and the establishment of balanced partnerships with international companies.
For his part, PCA President Camille Moukarzel said the forum serves as a platform for exchanging technical and professional expertise between Syrian and Lebanese companies. He announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the PCA and the SCS cooperating in digital transformation, capacity building, and training programs, particularly in artificial intelligence (AI).
Cybersecurity Cooperation and Attracting Expertise
On cybersecurity cooperation between Syria and Lebanon, Eng. Malik Ali, head of the Syrian Engineers Syndicate, told Levant24 a high-level committee was formed to participate in the forum and oversee the informatics, cybersecurity, and AI portfolio.
Ali highlighted the strong ties linking Syria with Arab countries, especially Lebanon, and stressed the importance of attracting Arab and foreign expertise during the reconstruction phase Syria is currently undergoing.
