Participants in the Lebanese-Syrian Investment Forum: Opportunities are Significant… and the Real Test Begins After the Forum Concludes
Beirut – Lebanese-Syrian Investment Forum Media 2026
Testimonies from several economic figures, businessmen, and investors participating in the Lebanese-Syrian Investment Forum 2026 reflected clear interest in the opportunities that the new phase could open for the private sector in both countries. This came alongside explicit calls to remove the obstacles that continue to restrict investment and trade, and to translate the forum’s discussions into practical steps.
Mohamad Choucair, President of the Lebanese Economic Organizations, affirmed that the forum holds great significance, noting that the broad Syrian ministerial and economic participation reflects a genuine interest in the relationship with Lebanon and its private sector. He pointed out that Lebanese businessmen have already begun exploring the Syrian market, but emphasized that the most crucial step after the forum is continuous follow-up and addressing unresolved issues, as recommendations alone are insufficient to revitalize economic ties.
For his part, Jacques Sarraf, President of the Association of Lebanese Investors, considered that economic transformations in Syria present investment opportunities for the Lebanese. At the same time, he called for approaching these opportunities based on thorough economic feasibility studies, away from sheer enthusiasm or preconceived notions. He revealed that a team under his supervision has been studying various sectors in the Syrian market for months to identify viable investment areas.
Meanwhile, Mazen Derwan, President of the Federation of Syrian Chambers of Industry, expressed great optimism regarding the potential for bilateral economic cooperation. In a statement to CNBC Arabia on the sidelines of the forum, he stated that the scale of economic cooperation and synergy between Syria and Lebanon could multiply significantly, specifically urging the resolution of the customs tariffs issue to help boost trade exchange.
Among the participating Syrian businessmen, industrialist Bassam Hajjar called for establishing a "normalized relationship between both nations" based on reciprocity and equality, enabling Lebanese investors to operate in Syria just as Syrian investors can operate in Lebanon. He placed the facilitation of the movement of businessmen, personnel, and goods, along with resolving double taxation, at the top of the priority list.
In the technology sector, Ammar Sinan, a telecommunications engineer specializing in artificial intelligence, highlighted that Lebanon possesses expertise in digital transformation and IT infrastructure that could benefit the Syrian market. He underscored the importance of facilitating the mobility of experts and employees between the two countries, allowing companies to expand their operations and investments.
Regarding energy and services, Hisham Hachicho, General Manager of the Lebanon and Syria branch of the Lebanese company Unigaz, considered the forum an opportunity to enhance economic integration and contribute to the reconstruction of Syria. He noted that Lebanese investors have already launched operations in the Syrian market, expressing hope that the forum’s recommendations will evolve into a practical path serving both nations.
These testimonies converge around a core takeaway highlighted throughout the forum: opportunities exist, but the success of the upcoming phase hinges on converting the dialogue initiated in Beirut into actual projects and investments, tackling issues regarding borders, customs, transportation, taxes, and investor mobility, and ensuring a transparent and stable environment for the private sector.
Accordingly, the forum’s importance was not limited to official sessions, but was also evident in the direct networking meetings between officials, businessmen, investors, and experts. These meetings established new channels of communication to explore opportunities and partnerships between the private sectors of Lebanon and Syria. The forum's agenda featured prominent economic and investment figures from both countries across sessions addressing Lebanon and Syria's position in the new economic map, financing the economy of the future, restoring trust, and other vital topics.
