Damascus, Aug. 13 (SANA)Syrian Finance Minister Mohammed Yisr Barnieh met Thursday with World Bank Division Director for the Middle East Department Dahlia Khalifa in Damascus to discuss financial and economic reforms, social protection and sustainable development programs, the Syrian Ministry of Finance said.

The meeting, attended by representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, reviewed cooperation between the World Bank and Syrian government institutions, the ministry said.

Barnieh stressed Syria’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with the World Bank and expanding joint work to support the country’s priorities and its financial, economic and institutional reform process.

The two sides discussed accelerating implementation of projects and programs agreed under existing grants, as well as reforms to Syria’s pension, retirement and social insurance systems and the restructuring of related institutions.

They also discussed developing the mortgage finance system and the Real Estate Finance Supervisory Authority, including updating legislation and instruments related to mortgage financing and expanding access to affordable housing finance.

Talks covered improving the governance, performance and competitiveness of state-owned economic and financial institutions, including their gradual transformation into joint-stock companies and the restructuring of state-owned financial institutions in line with financial and economic reform requirements.

The discussions also covered fiscal policy, economic growth, the Finance Ministry’s broader strategy, and World Bank support for improving livelihoods and strengthening social protection, with a focus on better targeting people most in need.

The two sides discussed digital transformation in financial institutions, completion of projects agreed under grants, and plans to establish a knowledge center for public-private partnerships to support development projects.

They also discussed the “Syria Without Camps” initiative as part of the recovery plan and the possibility of World Bank support for the voluntary and safe return of displaced Syrians to their areas of origin through multisector projects.

The meeting also addressed efforts to improve Syria’s business climate and strengthen its investment environment.

World Bank representatives confirmed continued technical support and preparations for specialized missions to Damascus in the coming period to support financial reform and economic development efforts, according to the ministry.