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Monday, October 19, 2026English edition
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The Geopolitician

Country risk, from the local press

Syria · Country watch

Syria Restructures Economy Ministry, Currency Woes

Syria separates its Economy Ministry, impacting governance; currency pressures persist, affecting trade and investment.

· · 4 sources

The picture Mixed

Syria's separation of the Economy Ministry introduces governance changes, while currency volatility continues to challenge trade. The restructuring and ongoing financial pressures create a mixed business environment.

Flare-up watch: Watch — Syria country watch →

In this briefing أحمد الشرع · باسل عبد العزيز عبد الحنان · Ministry of Economy (Syria) · Ministry of Industry and Trade (Syria) · ماهر خليل الحسن · يوسف قبلاوي · Syrian Petroleum Company · Syrian pound · Union of Syrian Chambers of Commerce

Regulation

  • Public sector
  • Manufacturing
  • Retail

Syria Separates Economy and Industry Ministries

President أحمد الشرع issued Decree No. 189 of 2026, appointing المهندس باسل عبد العزيز عبد الحنان as Minister of Industry and Internal Trade and Consumer Protection, effectively separating the Ministry of Economy from the Ministry of Industry and Trade. This restructuring aims to provide more specialization and accountability within each sector, according to Al-Watan. The decree reflects a shift in the governmental structure to enhance focus on specific economic areas.

Impact Manufacturers and retailers will experience changes in regulatory oversight and sector-specific policies due to the ministry separation.

Sources: Al-Watan الوطن ↗

Disruption

Nothing significant reported today.

Internal tension

Nothing significant reported today.

Safety & health

Nothing significant reported today.

Companies

  • Energy

New CEO for Syrian Petroleum Company Amid Audit

The Syrian Petroleum Company has appointed ماهر خليل الحسن as the new CEO, replacing يوسف قبلاوي. Al-Watan reports that this leadership change occurs amid ongoing audits into financial mismanagement and contract irregularities within the company. The appointment aims to address these issues and improve oversight in the sector.

Impact Energy sector stakeholders may see changes in company policies and management practices as the new CEO addresses audit findings.

Sources: Al-Watan الوطن ↗

Markets

  • Finance

Syrian Pound Faces Ongoing Pressure Against USD, Euro

The Syrian pound continues to face pressure against major currencies, with black market rates for the dollar and euro remaining volatile. Aks alser reports that exchange rates are fluctuating slightly across different cities, indicating persistent currency instability. This ongoing volatility complicates financial planning for businesses operating in Syria.

Impact Importers and exporters face increased costs and financial uncertainty as currency volatility persists, affecting trade and investment decisions.

Sources: aks alser ↗

Trade

  • Finance

Syrian Trade Union Hosts Mediation and Arbitration Seminar

The Union of Syrian Chambers of Commerce organized a judicial seminar on mediation and arbitration in Damascus, SANA reports. The event, held at the Seven Gates Hotel, focused on the role of arbitration centers and traders in enhancing commercial justice and dispute resolution. It underscores efforts to improve the legal framework for trade and commerce in Syria.

Impact Traders and legal professionals gain insights into new mediation and arbitration practices, potentially improving dispute resolution efficiency.

Sources: SANA سانا ↗

Politics

Nothing significant reported today.

Also today in Syria

Sources in this briefing

Sources: each headline links to the original article on the publisher's site.

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