DAMASCUS: Economic relations between Syria and Germany have gained momentum in 2026, reflecting efforts by both countries to strengthen cooperation in key sectors, including energy, reconstruction and infrastructure.
The growing engagement comes amid mutual interest in exploring economic opportunities that could support Syria’s recovery while offering German companies and institutions prospects for investment and participation in development projects.
Syria’s participation in the Arab-German Economic Forum, held in Berlin on June 18, underscored its expanding presence within Arab and German business circles and reinforced its position as a potential investment destination.
BACKGROUND
Syria’s participation in the Arab-German Economic Forum, held in Berlin on June 18, underscored its expanding presence within Arab and German business circles and reinforced its position as a potential investment destination
The forum served as a platform for discussions on investment and partnership opportunities, particularly in reconstruction, energy and infrastructure. Syrian participation also included meetings aimed at enhancing direct economic cooperation and promoting long-term partnerships.
The Arab-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry, based in Berlin, announced on Friday that Syria had been selected as the partner country for the next edition of the Arab-German Economic Forum.
Mohammed Haikal, a Syrian businessman and member of the chamber, told SANA that the designation was welcomed by both Arab and German partners, describing it as “an important step” toward improving Syria’s economic role in the region.
He said Syria’s participation as partner country next year would help open a new phase of economic engagement, strengthen regional and international partnerships, and attract strategic investment.
On the sidelines of the forum, Syria’s chargé d’affaires in Berlin, Mohammed Baraa Shukri, met with German Minister for Economic Affairs and Energy, Katherina Reiche to discuss ways to enhance cooperation in energy, reconstruction, and the rehabilitation of Syrian infrastructure.
The growing economic engagement follows President Ahmad Al-Sharaa’s visit to Germany on March 30 — a significant milestone in bilateral economic relations. During his visit, energy emerged as a key area of cooperation. Al-Sharaa visited Siemens Energy headquarters in Berlin to review the company’s technological and industrial capabilities.
The visit also saw the signing of a memorandum of understanding between Syria’s Ministry of Energy and Siemens Energy, as well as an agreement reserving production capacity for gas turbines and electricity-generation equipment.
The initiatives signaled a shift from dialogue to implementation and reflected German companies’ interest in supporting the rehabilitation of Syria’s energy sector.
As part of follow-up efforts, Syrian Foreign and Expatriates Minister Assaad Hassan al-Shaibani met German State Secretary and Deputy Foreign Minister Serap Güler in Damascus on June 17.
They discussed ways to advance the Syrian-German partnership, particularly in investment, joint business consulting, and cooperation with private-sector companies.
The Syrian-German Business Council has also played a role in supporting the growing momentum in bilateral relations.
On April 4, the council said Syrian-German economic relations had entered a new and “more substantive” phase centered on investment, technology transfer, knowledge sharing and expanded cooperation.
That assessment reflects increasing engagement between business communities and economic institutions in both countries, as well as efforts to leverage the expertise of the Syrian community in Germany to support Syria’s development and reconstruction.
