Syria’s manufacturing sector : the model of economic recovery in question

Abstract

The article seeks to analyse the situation of the Syria’s manufacturing sector which could be a key element to the stability of the economy despite its relatively small size in terms of its weight in the Syrian GDP. The research first provides an overview of the decline in this sector since the 2000s and an assessment of its destruction during the conflict. It then discusses the main challenges and obstacles involved in the redevelopment of activity in the sector. It also examines the Syrian government’s policies to alleviate the difficulties of Syrian manufacturers and the contrasting positions of different members of the economic elite in the country. The current model of economic recovery is, however, far from guaranteeing a rebirth of the sector in a near future.