Damascus, July 13 (SANA)Syrian Finance Minister MohammedYisr Barniehsaid on Monday the ministry was shifting from a revenue-collection model to one centered on development and partnership, as part of broader efforts to strengthen the private sector, improve transparency and attract investment.

Speaking during a panel discussion at the FirstSyrian-American Business Forumin Damascus, Barnieh said the Finance Ministry had become “a genuine partner” for businesses, investors and the private sector, while advancing greater transparency in government.

He said the ministry’s strategy is built on three core pillars: managing the state’s fiscal policy, regulating and developing the financial sector, and empowering the private sector to stimulate economic activity and support sustainable development.

Barnieh said the five-year strategy comprises 20 objectives and 156 initiatives, programs and activities that will be implemented under defined performance indicators, with transparency and accountability serving as guiding principles.

He also said the ministry was working to overhaul the legislative and legal framework governing Syria’s financial sector ahead of submitting 33 draft laws and legislative decrees to thePeople’s Assembly.

The proposed legislation is intended to modernize the country’s regulatory environment, support economic development and enhance Syria’s attractiveness as an investment destination, Barnieh said.

The FirstSyrian-American Business Forumbrought together Syrian and U.S. government officials, business leaders and investors to discuss opportunities for expanding trade, investment and private-sector cooperation between the two countries.