Syrian Private Sector Dialogue Conference PSD - “Regional Trade Integration: Syria-Jordan”

Side Event: Strengthening cross-border trade between Syria and Jordan

June 10, 2026

As Syria enters the phase of recovery, new economic opportunities are emerging with implications for job creation, business growth, and long-term resilience. Recognizing the vital role of the private sector in this process; trade, investment, and private-sector partnerships can help create new economic opportunities, support enterprise development, and contribute to longer-term resilience in both Syria and neighboring countries.

Under the umbrella of the ‘Strengthening Regional Policy Dialogue and Partnerships on Solutions’ project supported by the Regional Development and Protection Programme (RDPP), UNDP in partnership with Mercy Corps organized a side event on 3 June 2026 at the 8th Syrian Private Sector Dialogue Conference (PSD), which was held in Damascus for the first time. The side event brought together more than 90 representatives from government institutions, chambers of commerce, business associations, development partners, and the private sector to explore practical opportunities for strengthening cross-border trade and investment opportunities between Syria and Jordan.

The discussion opened with a presentation on preliminary findings from a study conducted by UNDP and Mercy Corps on market opportunities for MSMEs in Jordan in relation to cross-border trade with Syria. Building on these findings, a high-level panel discussion examined how stronger economic cooperation between Syria and Jordan can translate these opportunities into tangible outcomes. HE. Dr. Wissam Rabadi, Investment and Policy Expert from Jordan, emphasized the critical role of MSMEs as the backbone of both economies and highlighted access to finance and markets as the two greatest barriers to enterprise growth. Mr. Manhal Al Fares, General Director of the Local Production and Export Development Authority, stressed the importance of practical trade facilitation measures and stronger institutional cooperation to help businesses regain access to regional and international markets.

Audience seated in an auditorium during a conference; several women wearing headscarves.

Representing the private sector, Mr. Emran Qafesha, Head of Project Development at Jordan Business, highlighted the potential of the services and logistics sectors to drive growth and encouraged entrepreneurs to look beyond domestic markets toward regional opportunities. Dr. Amer Kharbotli, Director of the Damascus Chamber of Commerce, emphasized the complementary strengths of the Syrian and Jordanian economies and called for closer collaboration between chambers of commerce, business associations, and private-sector actors to strengthen regional value chains and expand trade.

Throughout the discussion, panelists highlighted that deeper economic integration offers significant opportunities for both countries. Several priorities stood out for unlocking the full potential of cross-border trade:

Improving access to finance and tailored financial solutions for MSMEs.
Reducing logistical barriers, including lengthy customs procedures, and transportation costs.
Strengthening regional value chains and connecting MSMEs to new market opportunities.
Expanding skills development and workforce systems that respond to private-sector demand.
Enhancing public-private dialogue and institutional cooperation to create a more enabling business environment.

The audience discussion reinforced many of these priorities, with business representatives highlighting practical challenges related to border procedures, customs inspections, banking transactions, and the movement of goods and people. Participants emphasized that addressing these constraints will require continued collaboration between governments, chambers of commerce, financial institutions, and the private sector, alongside practical reforms that enable businesses to operate more efficiently across borders.

The side event highlighted that strengthening regional trade is not only an economic objective, but also an opportunity to support livelihoods, expand market opportunities, and foster more resilient economies. The exchange emphasized the value of sustained public-private dialogue and regional cooperation in reducing trade barriers and unlocking the full potential or bilateral economic cooperation between Syria and Jordan.