At the annual Concordia Summit in New York, attended by a group of prominent investors and economic experts, the President of the Damascus Chamber of Commerce, Issam Ghreiwati, presented an important vision and practical proposals aimed at supporting the Syrian economy and promoting development. The meeting was attended by Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa.
Small and Medium Enterprises are The Backbone of the Economy
Ghreiwati emphasized the vital and pivotal role of small and medium enterprises, which constitute approximately 97% of the Syrian private sector. He pointed out that strengthening the resilience of these enterprises is not just an economic priority, but an investment in social stability and comprehensive and sustainable development. They are the main engine for job creation and accelerating economic activity.
A Regional Fund Under the Supervision of Chambers of Commerce
As a concrete initiative to achieve this goal, Ghreiwati called for the establishment of a Regional Fund to Support Small and Medium Enterprises. He proposed the fund be financed through financial contributions from the US in cooperation with its regional partners.
To ensure transparency, effectiveness, and direct access to support for those who deserve it, he emphasized the importance of the fund being under the direct supervision of the Chambers of Commerce in both Syria and the US. Ghreiwati described this proposal as “a strategic tool for achieving comprehensive and sustainable economic growth.”
From Investment to Social Responsibility
The proposal included a second, equally important focus: encouraging Syrian-American businesspeople in the US to contribute to development efforts. Ghreiwati called on these entrepreneurs to make direct investments that would contribute to reducing high unemployment rates, a major economic and social challenge.
The proposal includes a humanitarian and moral role, urging businesspeople to participate in supporting the return of displaced Syrians and refugees from camps by contributing to the construction of basic infrastructure such as housing, schools, and hospitals.
Such support, says Ghreiwati, is not merely humanitarian, but rather an investment in social stability and the creation of appropriate conditions for economic and social advancement, creating a safe and attractive environment for further investment in the long term.
A Vision for Consolidating Efforts
The proposals presented by Ghreiwati represent a model for constructive cooperation capable of linking international, regional, and local efforts. The call to establish a regional fund under neutral, professional supervision, along with mobilizing the efforts of skilled and successful Syrians abroad, lays the foundation for a multi-dimensional partnership. The project ultimately aims to support the resilience of the Syrian people, empower their economy, and contribute to achieving the desired stability and prosperity.
