Supreme Council For Economic Development (Syria)

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Supreme Council for Economic Development
المجلس الأعلى للتنمية الاقتصادية
Emblem of Syria
Agency overview
FormedJuly 9, 2025 (2025-07-09)
JurisdictionSyria
HeadquartersDamascus,Syria
Agency executive
Parent departmentPresidency of the Syrian Arab Republic
Child agency

The Supreme Council for Economic Development (Arabic: المجلس الأعلى للتنمية الاقتصادية) is a supreme governmental body in the Syrian Arab Republic responsible for overseeing economic development, investment attraction, and strategic planning in the post-war reconstruction era.[1]

Establishment

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The Supreme Council for Economic Development was established by Decree No. 115 issued by President Ahmad al-Sharaa on 9 July 2025.[2] This decree was part of a series of economic reforms following the fall of the Bashar al-Assad regime in late 2024, aimed at stabilizing and revitalizing the Syrian economy.[3] The establishment coincided with amendments to the investment law under Decree No. 114, creating an independent framework for economic governance.[4]

Objectives

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The primary objectives of the council include:

  • Achieving economic stability in Syria.
  • Stimulating economic growth and development.
  • Attracting domestic and foreign investments.
  • Developing a comprehensive economic map covering the entire Syrian geography.
  • Providing full oversight of numerous economic bodies and development funds, such as the Syrian Development Fund.[5][6]

The council is designed to promote reconstruction efforts by supporting infrastructure development, including roads, bridges, water supply, and electricity networks.[7]

Structure and composition

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The Supreme Council for Economic Development operates under the direct authority of the Presidency, with President Ahmad al-Sharaa serving as its chair.[8] Specific details on the composition, including the number of members and their roles, have not been publicly disclosed as of October 2025. The council is positioned as an independent investment authority, collaborating with entities such as the Syrian Investment Agency and various ministries.[9][10]

Role in economic policy

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The council plays a central role in Syria's economic decision-making, particularly in the executive branch, facilitating the transition to a more market-oriented economy.[11] It has been involved in hosting investment forums, such as the one in Damascus in July 2025, to encourage international partnerships, notably with Saudi Arabia.[12] Critics have noted that while the council grants significant authority, it lacks sufficient accountability mechanisms in the nascent post-Assad governance structure.[13]

References

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  1. ^ "Syria establishes state-run funds, economic council to support reconstruction". Xinhua. 2025-07-10. Retrieved 2025-10-14.
  2. ^ "President al-Sharaa issues decree forming the Supreme Council for Economic Development". Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA). 2025-07-09. Retrieved 2025-10-14.
  3. ^ "President Ahmed al-Shara's vision for development and investment in Syria". Syria Future. 2025-10-14. Retrieved 2025-10-14.
  4. ^ "The Illusion of Reform: Authority Without Accountability in Post-War Syria". The Syrian Observer. 2025-07-15. Retrieved 2025-10-14.
  5. ^ "President al-Sharaa issues decree forming the Supreme Council for Economic Development". Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA). 2025-07-09. Retrieved 2025-10-14.
  6. ^ "Presidential Decree Forming the Supreme Council for Economic Development in Syria". Tesaa World. 2025-07-10. Retrieved 2025-10-14.
  7. ^ "Syria establishes state-run funds, economic council to support reconstruction". China.org.cn. 2025-07-10. Retrieved 2025-10-14.
  8. ^ Benjamin Fève (2025-10-06). "Benjamin Fève on X". Retrieved 2025-10-14. For now, most economic power sits squarely with the Presidency through the Supreme Council for Economic Development
  9. ^ "President Ahmed al-Shara's vision for development and investment in Syria". Syria Future. 2025-10-14. Retrieved 2025-10-14.
  10. ^ "The President issues a decree to establish the "Syrian Petroleum Company"". Tesaa World. 2025-10-02. Retrieved 2025-10-14.
  11. ^ "Syria's First Post-Assad Parliament: Political Restructuring in a Region of Uncertainties". ISPI. 2025-10-09. Retrieved 2025-10-14.
  12. ^ "Saudi Role Pivotal as Syria Hosts Investment Forum in Damascus". Ash Sharq Al-Awsat. 2025-07-25. Retrieved 2025-10-14.
  13. ^ "The Illusion of Reform: Authority Without Accountability in Post-War Syria". The Syrian Observer. 2025-07-15. Retrieved 2025-10-14.