Syrian Finance Minister Mohammed Yisr Barnieh met a senior International Finance Corporation (IFC) official in Damascus on Tuesday to discuss attracting private investment, financing infrastructure projects and supporting economic reforms as Syria seeks to rebuild its economy.  Barnieh held talks with Imad Fakhoury, the IFC’s vice president for the Middle East and North Africa, and an accompanying delegation, according to a statement from the Syrian Ministry of Finance.  The IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, focuses on supporting private sector development in emerging markets and developing economies.  The discussions covered opportunities for public-private partnerships (PPPs), financial sector reforms and priority investment projects, including ways to make proposed projects commercially viable and attractive to investors.  The ministry also outlined progress toward establishing a dedicated public-private partnership unit to help develop projects involving government agencies and private companies.  The two sides discussed the Syria Connectivity Initiative, which focuses on improving infrastructure links, facilitating trade and strengthening economic integration with neighboring countries.  The talks examined financing needs for projects under the initiative and the potential role of international investment in supporting Syria’s economic recovery.  Officials also explored cooperation on establishing a fund for startups, expanding access to financing for small and medium-sized businesses, and reforming state-owned financial institutions.  Barnieh said cooperation with the IFC could help attract private capital, develop strategic projects and improve the country’s investment environment.  He welcomed the discussions and expressed hope that continued coordination would lead to concrete projects supporting businesses and economic growth. (ICE BEIRUT)

Fonte notizia: Syrian Arab News Agency