Syrian entrepreneurs and investors in Egypt and their relations with Syria

Abstract

Since the war in Syria broke out in 2011, Egypt has attracted a large number of Syrian businessmen. The value of economic projects implemented in Egypt by Syrian businessmen since 2012 most probably amounts to over USD 800 million. With an increasing number of businesspersons leaving Syria for Egypt, Syrian government officials have made several visits to Egypt with the aim of encouraging them to return and invest in the war-torn country. These endeavours, however, have largely been unsuccessful. This research report investigates the situation of Syrian businesspersons in Egypt. It examines their economic activities and the role of the Syrian Businessmen Association in Egypt (SBAE) and analyses the obstacles and challenges facing Syrian businessmen if they go back to Syria and (re)-invest in the country.