Al-Sharaa: Syria Has Transformed from a 'Problem' to an Opportunity... and Does Not Need to Be Subordinate to Any Party
Syrian President Ahmed Al-Sharaa clarifies the vision for the Syrian economy and emphasizes non-subordination.
Translated by Qiyas from الراي — Original source
President Ahmad al-Sharaa stated that Syria has transitioned from being a security and political «problem» that troubled the region to an economic and strategic opportunity that can contribute to the security of supply chains, energy, and trade between the East and the West. He revealed expectations that the Syrian economy’s size will rise to approximately $50 billion during the current year, compared to around $20 billion in 2024.
During his remarks at the «Arab Media Summit» in Dubai on Tuesday, al-Sharaa acknowledged that the ongoing economic transformations require «shocking» decisions, which appeared to be an implicit reference to measures such as fuel price hikes that triggered protests in various Syrian regions in recent days.
He added that his government does not wish to adopt a «policy of complaints or promises,» but rather to focus on action, noting that the benchmark for success will be the results felt by Syrians.
He clarified that Syria is moving from an economic model characterized by high levels of bureaucracy, state dominance, and corruption to one that grants the private sector and investment greater space. However, he admitted that this sudden transition might cause «a certain type of shock.»
Al-Sharaa said that ambitions go beyond returning to pre-war levels, stating that economic programs target the possibility of the economy reaching approximately $200 billion over the next five to ten years, provided stability is maintained and the region and the world are not subjected to widespread disruptions.
He emphasized that Damascus is working with Arab countries to explore ways to reduce the impacts of wars and mitigate expected future risks, considering that Syria can play a pivotal role in enhancing regional stability.
He explained that Syria has «transitioned from being a source of Captagon and human trafficking, and a foothold for spreading conflicts and problems in the region,» to a country «seeking to be a point of stability,» pointing to increased discussions about its potential role in regional trade and the security of supply chains and energy, as well as its location on routes connecting the East and the West.
Speaking about foreign policy, al-Sharaa affirmed that Damascus seeks to build its relationships on «credibility and trust,» while maintaining the independence of Syrian decision-making. He said that «Syria does not need to be subordinate to any party.»
He stressed that his country cannot do without its Arab and Islamic neighborhood, and relies heavily on Arab countries for political support and to benefit from their expertise and developmental experiences. He added that Syria does not want to «start from zero, as other countries did, but rather to start from the hundred that others have reached.»
Al-Sharaa praised the efforts made by Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and US President Donald Trump regarding sanctions, considering the decision to lift them a historic turning point for his country.
He also commended the role of the UAE, stating that it was among the first countries to move to invest in Syria, specifically highlighting «Dubai Ports» investments.
He said: «I believe Syria was reborn after the lifting of sanctions,» adding that the main constraints have been broken, and that the responsibility now lies in «policies, procedures, and making the right and sound choices» to push the economy and the state forward.
In Qamishli (northeast), hundreds protested against the government’s decision to raise fuel prices against the backdrop of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, following similar protests in other regions.
A «Agence France-Presse» correspondent witnessed protesters, both men and women, walking through the streets of Qamishli, holding signs with some bearing Arabic inscriptions such as «No to the starvation policy,» «Preserve the people’s livelihood,» and «No to fuel price hikes,» while some chanted «Our oil belongs to the people.»
