Investing in the New Syria from China: Opportunities and Challenges

بالطبع، إليك الترجمة الاحترافية للنص الكامل بصيغة صحفية مناسبة للنشر باللغة الإنجليزية:

A Glimpse into the "Investing in the New Syria from China: Opportunities and Challenges" Forum

Arafat Hararsheh: "Mr. Al-Ahmad’s initiatives represent the voice of the Arab community in China"

In his opening remarks, Mr. Arafat Hararsheh, President of the Arab Businessmen Forum in China, praised the initiative of Mr. Fadi Al-Ahmad, describing it as a model example of serving Arab communities and investors in China. He expressed his delight at the participants’ strong engagement and serious commitment to reimagining the economic futures of their home countries.

Mr. Hararsheh emphasized that forums like this one foster a culture of economic awareness and cooperation and called for their expansion across Arab professional and business communities. He also highlighted the growing success of the GrowFast initiative, which, in just its first year, supported Arab youth through mentorship, networking with industrial stakeholders, and investment facilitation in China. He described it as a practical step toward building sustainable development partnerships between China and the Arab world.

Fadi Al-Ahmad: "Our experience and networks are more valuable than capital itself"

Mr. Fadi Al-Ahmad, the forum’s sponsor and keynote speaker, delivered an inspiring and forward-looking speech. He asserted that the knowledge, expertise, and networks possessed by Syrian investors in China form a developmental capital that is even more important than money itself. He affirmed that “real economic transformation is underway in the new Syria,” highlighting recent progress such as the reactivation of his textile factory.

Mr. Al-Ahmad also announced several initiatives, including:

• The launch of the Syrian-Chinese Economic Cooperation Services Center to build strategic partnerships.
• The development of GrowFast’s investment fund, focused on industrial and technological ventures.
• The launch of the Arab Innovator Award to help Arab students turn ideas into real-world ventures.

He invited participants to contribute to these open initiatives, aimed at jumpstarting Syria’s economy through the collective expertise of Syrians abroad.

Saeed Thabet: "Trade balance is the key to a strategic economic partnership"

Economic advisor Saeed Thabet delivered a comprehensive analysis of Syrian-Chinese economic cooperation, focusing on the trade balance as a key indicator of bilateral relations.

He noted that the trade deficit is heavily tilted in China’s favor, but rather than being a barrier, it presents an opportunity to rebalance through enhancing Syrian exports. Mr. Thabet emphasized the potential of several key export sectors such as:

• Energy
• Textiles
• Food industries
• Tourism

He also presented the interactive platform of the Syrian-Chinese Economic Cooperation Center, which features:

• Real-time trade dashboards
• Market analysis tools
• Sector-specific opportunities

Bashar Samman: "Textile manufacturing is our path to leadership"

Syrian businessman and textile expert Bashar Samman presented a thorough overview of investment opportunities in the textile and garment industry, noting Syria’s global edge due to its high-quality cotton.

He identified eleven key opportunities, including:

• Establishing spinning, dyeing, printing, and embroidery factories
• Importing advanced machinery and fashion fabrics
• Launching vocational training institutes
• Developing textile-focused investment portfolios
• Participating in international trade exhibitions

He affirmed that the sector holds the potential to become a key driver of Syrian exports and industrial revitalization.

Mohammad Al-Khouli: "Logistics is the gateway to Syria’s economic recovery"

International shipping expert Mohammad Al-Khouli gave an in-depth analysis of Syria’s transportation and logistics sector, outlining major challenges:

• Damaged infrastructure
• Dependence on neighboring ports
• Weak rail and airport networks
• Sanctions limiting modernization

Despite these obstacles, he described logistics as a golden investment opportunity, especially with Syria’s reconstruction phase underway. He highlighted promising areas such as:

• Smart warehouses and distribution hubs
• Modern freight fleets and customs services
• Overland and air freight development
• Digital logistics (IoT, blockchain)
• E-commerce delivery solutions

E-Commerce in Syria: Growth Amid Challenges

A dynamic discussion unfolded around Syria’s emerging e-commerce sector, valued at an estimated $100–150 million annually, with over 12 million internet users, yet facing structural limitations.

Key discussion points included:

• Heavy reliance on cash-on-delivery
• Weak logistics and internet infrastructure
• Lack of consumer protection regulations

Participants agreed that with improvements in digital payment systems and delivery services, the e-commerce market could expand 3–5 times by 2030.

Community Contributions Reflect Arab Support for Syria’s Revival

The forum also witnessed a number of impactful contributions from attendees, both Syrian and Arab, who proposed initiatives reflecting a strong spirit of solidarity and cooperation with the new Syrian reality.

Highlighted initiatives included:

• Free consulting services in key sectors like construction, logistics, and energy
• Serious planning for investment projects launched from China into Syria
• Strategic partnerships with major Chinese infrastructure firms to explore collaborative projects in Syrian provinces

These contributions underscored the community’s readiness to actively participate in Syria’s reconstruction, reinforcing the forum’s goal of strengthening economic ties between the Syrian diaspora and their homeland.