August 2010Issue No. 64
Investor confidence in stable legislation key for PPP success
The success of private-public partnerships (PPP) in Syria will largely depend on clear legislation governing them and confidence in these laws within the private sector, a seminar on PPPs held in Damascus last month by the University of Oxford's Said Business School learned.
Q&A: David Hamod President and CEO of the National US-Arab Chamber of Commerce (NUSACC)
The National US-Arab Chamber of Commerce is tasked with promoting, supporting and strengthening business ties between the US and the Arab world. Syria Today sat down with its president during his recent visit to Damascus.
New law for telecoms sector splits STE and creates new market regulator
On June 9, Syria issued a new law governing the telecommunications industry.
Syrian Business Council criticises poor official data
The Syrian Business Council (SBC) has criticised the lack of accurate data on the Syrian economy, saying poor and contradictory numbers make the country a less attractive investment destination.
FDI falls by close to 30 percent
Foreign direct investment (FDI) in Syria fell by 28.4 percent to total SYP 70.5bn (USD 1.5bn) last year, according to a report released last month by the Arab Investment & Export Credit Guarantee Corporation, also known as Dhaman.
2010 motor show gets underway in Damascus
The 10th Syrian International Motor Show was held in Damascus from July 1 to 7.
Homs governorate launches Homs Dream
The Governorate of Homs launched its new development strategy, titled Homs Dream, under the slogan "Reality in the Making" at the Damascus International Fair which ran from July 14 to 23 in Damascus.
SEBC programme works to improve legislation drafting process
The Syria Enterprise and Business Centre (SEBC) and the prime minister's office launched a training programme to strengthen the drafting of legislation in the country on July 4.
Cordoba Hills breaks ground in Yafour
Emirates Private Development & Investment Syria (EPD) launched its first real-estate project in Syria, the Cordoba Hills residential complex in the Damascus suburb of Sabboura on June 30. The project, located 12km from Damascus on the Beirut highway, is near several other large development complexes in the Yafour area.
Alitalia unveils new airplanes and premium economy class
Alitalia added the first of two new Airbus A330 aircraft to its long-haul fleet on July 15.
Free Zone revenues up SYP 300m (USD 6.4m) over last year: Revenue figures released for the industrial districts from the first six months of 2010.
Eleventh five-year plan focused on investments: PM Otri said the plan includes investment projects valued at SYP 4bn (USD 85m) with a special focus on Dier ez-Zor governorate.
Campaign to preserve oral heritage announced: The ministry of culture's folklore department will document Syria's story-telling tradition.
Oxford Business Group report released: The study of Syria's economy looks at the role of public-private partnerships in the oil industry and key transport projects.
Emirates Telecom Corp. bids to become Syria's third mobile carrier: The company is the bigger of two mobile operators in the UAE.
New law reorganises telecoms: The sector now contributes to 5 percent of GDP.
Man age 125 dies in Hassakeh: He left behind 187 children and grandchildren.
Homs archaeologocal find proves link between Mesopotamia, Mediterranean and Nile Valley: The dig indicates that the Katana Kingdom had important international-trade ties.
Third mobile phone operater to enter the market: The firm will join carriers Syriatel and MTN Syria.
Regional Special Olympics to be hosted in Syria: 2,500 athletes from 23 countries will participate in the games.
Authorities confiscate drugs: About two million illegal pills were smuggled into Syria from Lebanon.
Venezuela defends flights to Syria: The US c riticised the flights between Caracas, Damascus and Tehran.
Syrian and Iranian officials meet in Tehran: Deputy Prime Minister for economic affairs Abdullah al-Dardari led the delegation.
Ancient coins confiscated in Hama: Police uncovered the 245 coins in an abandoned car.
Tourist visits up in 2010: The figure increased 56 percent during the first seven months of the year.
The success of private-public partnerships (PPP) in Syria will largely depend on clear legislation governing them and confidence in these laws within the private sector, a seminar on PPPs held in Damascus last month by the University of Oxford's Said Business School learned.
The National US-Arab Chamber of Commerce is tasked with promoting, supporting and strengthening business ties between the US and the Arab world. 
The 10th Syrian International Motor Show was held in Damascus from July 1 to 7.
