Damascus, June21(SANA)Economic experts say that the visit by Syrian Minister of Foreign Affairs and ExpatriatesAsaad Hassan al-ShaibanitoKuwaitmarks an important step in the development of bilateral relations, paving the way for a new phase of economic and investment cooperation aimed at transforming political rapprochement intopractical partnerships that support reconstruction efforts and expand trade between the two countries.

Economic researcher Abdul Azim al-Maghrabi said that the current period represents a genuine opportunity to move Syrian-Kuwaiti relations from political coordination to a sustainable and institutional economic partnership based on projects, investments, and practical agreements in the fields of development and economic cooperation.

In a statement to SANA, al-Maghrabi highlighted Kuwait’s importance as an economic partner for Syria, given its financial resources,development funding institutions, and private sector expertise in key areas including real estate, banking, telecommunications, energy, and services.

He noted that cooperation between Syria and Kuwait could unlock broad investment opportunities in infrastructure, housing, healthcare,agriculture, food industries, and tourism, as well as support small and medium-sized enterprises, contributing to job creation and economic growth.

Al-Maghribi said Kuwaiti companies could benefit from early entry into the Syrian market, which requires extensive reconstruction and rehabilitation projects, stressing that Syria’s strategic geographic location positions it as a potential hub for trade, transport, and logistics services linking the Gulf region with Türkiye and the Mediterranean.

He added that the long standing historical and fraternal ties between the Syrian and Kuwaiti peoples provide a strong foundation for expanding economic cooperation in the coming period.

For his part, Syrian economist Dr. Zakwan Kreit describedthe full restoration of Syrian-Kuwaiti relations in February 2025 as astrategic opportunity to enhance economic cooperation and achieve mutual interests.

Kreit said the establishment of the joint Syrian-Kuwaiti Business Council in March 2026 represents an important institutional step toward organizing economic ties by facilitating investments, boosting trade,transferring expertise and technology, and addressing challenges facing investors, thereby strengthening confidence between the private sectors of both countries.

He pointed out that Syria requires significant investment inflows to support reconstruction projects, estimating that historical Kuwaiti investments in Syria range between $4 billion and $8 billion. Among the most promising investment opportunities, Kreit highlighted the development of the telecommunications sector, with Kuwait’s Zain company preparing to undertake major investments aimed at upgrading digital infrastructure.

He also pointed to the completion of previously announced major investment projects, the participation of Kuwaiti companies inreconstruction and infrastructure projects, and the expansion of public and private investments in productive and service sectors. Kreit stressed that agriculture represents one of the keyareas for potential cooperation, as Kuwaiti investments could contribute to developing irrigation networks, introducing modern agricultural technologies,increasing productivity, strengthening food security, and opening Gulf markets to Syrian agricultural products. He added that the industrial sector offers promising opportunities in light of incentives provided by the Syrian government, including customs exemptions and simplified licensing procedures,which could encourage the establishment of new factories, modernization of existing facilities, and the creation of thousands of jobs.Regarding trade, Kreit said the joint Syrian-Kuwaiti Business Council would contribute to increasing bilateral trade by facilitating the movement of goods and services and expanding the presence of Syrian products, particularly agricultural goods, food products, and olive oil, in the Kuwaiti market, while supporting the import of equipment and materials needed for reconstruction projects.

Al-Shaibani visited Kuwait on Monday, where he met with the Kuwaiti Crown Prince and discussed ways to expand bilateral cooperation and regional developments.

He also held talks with the Kuwaiti Foreign Minister, with both sides agreeing to establish a joint higher coordination committee and activate existing bilateral committees to follow up on various areas of cooperation, reflecting the two countries’ commitment to strengthening economic and political partnership in the next phase.