Syria Today | March 2009

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.