Amman, Sept. 21 (SANA)An Arab regional conference on supporting development and investment in Syria opened Monday in Jordan’s capital Amman, bringing together banking officials, financial institutions and investors to discuss economic cooperation, investment opportunities and the role of the financial sector in supporting Syria’s recovery.

The conference, organized by the Union ofArab Banks, is attended by theCentral Bank of Syria, Syrian private banks, and Arab banks and financial institutions under the theme “Arab Economic and Banking Partnership to Support Development and Investment inSyria.”

Central Bank of Syria Governor Mohammad Safwat Raslan said the conference represents an opportunity to strengthen Arab banking cooperation and support development and reconstruction efforts in Syria.

The two-day conference aims to enhance economic and banking cooperation between Syria and Arab countries, strengthen private-sector participation and explore investment opportunities across various economic sectors.

The agenda includes discussions on financing development projects, improving the banking environment, supporting digital transformation and financial innovation, and developing cooperation in trade services and financial transfers.

Participants will also discuss ways to strengthen governance, compliance, risk management and anti-money laundering measures, alongside developing human resources in the financial and banking sectors.

The conference also seeks to establish a roadmap for Arab-Syrian economic and banking cooperation in the coming period.

The conference agenda includes sessions on Syria’s economic recovery prospects, the future of the economy following the transitional phase, economic reforms, private-sector participation in development and reconstruction, attracting investment and improving the business environment.

Other topics include updating banking regulations, strengthening transparency and financial stability, aligning with international standards, rebuilding Arab and international banking relations and developing payment systems.

Investment discussions will cover opportunities in industry, energy, agriculture and tourism, as well as infrastructure projects, logistics, public-private partnerships and support for intra-Arab trade.

Central Bank of JordanGovernor Adel al-Sharkas said Syria’s economic recovery and growth are of direct interest to Jordan due to shared economic interests and close ties between the two countries.

Speaking at the opening session, al-Sharkas said Syria’s recovery could contribute to reviving trade, transportation and transit activity, strengthening links between markets and supply chains in Syria and the wider Arab region.

He said supporting Syria’s recovery represents both a shared Arab responsibility and a mutual economic interest, given its potential impact on trade, investment and regional economic relations.

Al-Sharkas said Jordan’s banking sector has technical and institutional experience, along with extensive banking networks, that could support economic and financial cooperation with Syria.

He identified trade finance, payment channels, financial transfers, banking supervision, governance, risk management and digital financial services as areas where cooperation could be expanded.

He added that Jordan hopes cooperation with Syria will develop into a broader Arab economic and banking partnership involving banks, financial institutions and investors to support development and investment.The conference brings together senior bankers, investors, business leaders and representatives of Arab financial and development institutions interested in the Syrian market.