Minister of Finance Mohammed Yisr Barnieh and Central Bank of Syria Governor Safwat Raslan met Sunday with a senior World Bank delegation in Bangkok to finalize frameworks for establishing a multi-donor trust fund dedicated to Syrian reconstruction and economic recovery.  The meeting—led by World Bank Vice President for the Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan, and Pakistan Ousmane Dione and Regional Director Dalia Khalifa—focused on the operational requirements, success factors, and governance structures of the upcoming Syria Recovery and Reconstruction Trust Fund (START).  Barnieh emphasized that the fund must remain nationally led and directly aligned with Syria’s sovereign priorities, ensuring resources effectively support public infrastructure, institutional development, and sustainable growth.  Discussions highlighted that alongside concessional financing and investment guarantees, START will prioritize technical support and institutional capacity building to enhance public sector performance, project execution, and monitoring.  Both sides underscored the importance of robust governance, transparency, and regular reporting to maintain accountability with development partners. The delegation also stressed incorporating targeted programs for the Syrian private sector to stimulate broader economic activity and job creation.  The meeting addressed key intervention sectors for START funding, primarily the rehabilitation of critical infrastructure, restoration of essential health and education services, and institutional empowerment for public entities managing high-priority projects.  Both parties agreed to continue refining the fund’s execution and governance mechanisms to ensure social inclusion, national ownership, and tangible, long-term outcomes for Syrian citizens.  The talks follow an announcement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates confirming the joint agreement with the World Bank Group to launch START, establishing a core vehicle to channel concessional funding, provide investment risk guarantees, and mobilize private capital for Syria’s recovery. (ICE BEIRUT)

Fonte notizia: Syrian Arab News Agency