Syria and Saudi Arabia Advance Industrial and Investment Cooperation in Riyadh

High-Level Talks Bolster Bilateral Economic Ties

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, recently hosted significant discussions between Syrian and Saudi deputy ministers aimed at strengthening industrial and investment cooperation. The talks, which occurred on the sidelines of the General Conference of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) from November 26 to 29, 2025, underscore a growing commitment to economic partnership between the two nations.

The Syrian delegation was led by Deputy Minister of Economy and Industry, Bassel Abdulhanan, while the Saudi side was represented by Deputy Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, Khalil Ibrahim Salma.

Focus on Expertise Exchange and Joint Opportunities

Discussions centered on several key areas designed to foster mutual economic growth. Both sides emphasized the importance of exchanging expertise in manufacturing and modern technology, as well as reviewing promising joint investment opportunities. The objective is to accelerate economic development through the establishment of strategic partnerships within the industrial sector, facilitating the transfer of knowledge, and enhancing industrial infrastructure.

The dialogue also highlighted the mutual desire to strengthen bilateral relations across various industrial and commercial sectors, aiming to achieve shared interests and support sustainable economic growth.

Building on Recent Economic Engagements

These recent talks are part of a broader trend of deepening economic engagement between Syria and Saudi Arabia. In August 2025, a landmark bilateral investment promotion and protection agreement was signed in Riyadh by Syrian Economy and Industry Minister Mohammad Nidal al-Shaar and Saudi Investment Minister Khalid al-Falih. This agreement aims to safeguard capital flows, expand cooperation across industries, and support Syria's economic recovery.

Furthermore, Riyadh hosted the first-ever Saudi-Syrian Partnership and Investment Forum on August 24, 2025, which convened approximately 450 officials, investors, and business leaders from both countries. This followed a Syrian-Saudi Investment Forum in Damascus in June 2025, where 47 investment agreements collectively valued at $6.4 billion were signed across sectors including real estate, infrastructure, finance, telecom, energy, manufacturing, and tourism. Saudi Arabia has also expressed support for a private sector proposal to create a 'Fund of Funds' to channel Saudi investments into Syria, particularly in the context of Syria's reconstruction phase.

Technical Collaboration and Future Outlook

As part of the efforts to expand cooperation, the Syrian delegation undertook a field visit to the Gulf Laboratory in Riyadh. This visit provided insights into advanced laboratory systems and technical services, with a view to strengthening technical partnerships between the two nations. Both countries have also agreed to form joint technical working groups to follow up on industrial integration initiatives and ensure the practical implementation of agreed measures.

These ongoing discussions and agreements signify a concerted effort by Syria and Saudi Arabia to forge stronger economic ties, leveraging industrial and investment partnerships to foster sustainable development and regional integration.