Lebanese-Syrian Investment Forum Emphasizes Building Sustainable Economic and Institutional Partnerships Between the Two Countries
Beirut - 23 - 9 (KUNA) -- Participants in the "Lebanese-Syrian Investment Forum 2026," which concluded its sessions in the Lebanese capital on Wednesday, emphasized the need to transition economic relations between the two countries toward more structured and balanced frameworks and to build sustainable economic and institutional partnerships.
This statement was made at the close of the forum, which was held under the patronage of Lebanese President General Joseph Aoun and witnessed extensive ministerial, official, and economic participation from both countries, alongside notable attendance by business leaders, investors, heads of economic and investment bodies, experts, and private sector representatives from both nations.
The forum provided a platform for dialogue on the future of economic and investment relations between Lebanon and Syria amid the transformations underway in the region and the need to shift bilateral economic relations toward more organized and balanced frameworks based on shared interests, while expanding the role of the private sector and productive investment.
The forum was opened with remarks by Ahmed Hashimia, initiator of the forum initiative; Syrian Minister of Economy and Industry Mohammad Al-Shaar; and Iyad Al-Hazaa, Chargé d’Affaires at the Syrian Embassy in Lebanon. President Aoun’s address was delivered by his representative, Minister of Economy and Trade Amer Al-Bassat. The speeches underscored the necessity of moving beyond mere geographical proximity to establish institutional, implementation-driven economic partnerships based on mutual interests.
The forum’s agenda was divided into four main sessions addressing the positioning of Lebanon and Syria in the new economic map of the Middle East; financing the economy of the future, investment, and capital; restoring confidence; and reconstruction and sustainable development. The sessions also examined the role of both countries as gateways to regional markets through transportation, ports, and investment, as well as addressing associated challenges.
Ministers, officials, heads of investment and economic bodies, representatives from the banking and legal sectors, and experts participated in the sessions, discussing a range of practical issues related to the investment environment, capital flows, reconstruction, tourism, health, agriculture, transportation, ports, technology, and the role of the private sector in developing economic relations.
In a notable event marking the conclusion of the forum, the participating Syrian ministers held a press conference in which they discussed their participation and the economic and sectoral issues examined during the visit and the official meetings held by the Syrian delegation in Beirut. The delegation included the ministers of Economy and Industry, Tourism, Health, Agriculture, and Transportation, along with Syrian economic and investment officials.
The organizing committee stated at the forum’s conclusion that the significance of this gathering lies in the potential to build upon its outcomes through sustained communication among relevant stakeholders, investors, and the private sector, and by converting the ideas and opportunities raised into actionable initiatives and partnerships. The forum concluded its session on the premise that it marks the beginning of a path toward joint economic cooperation.
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