Expected tax reform in Syria, private sector to be involved in economic policy

The Syrian Ministry of Finance announced on Friday the formation of a national committee for tax reform. This committee will undertake a comprehensive review of the current tax and fee system and develop a modern tax system that serves the needs of the Syrian economy and keeps pace with the recovery phase following political change.

The Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) reported that the committee, headed by Finance Minister Mohammad Yusr Barniyeh, includes his deputy, along with officials from the Ministries of Economy and Industry, the General Authority for Taxes and Fees, and the General Authority for Land and Sea Ports.

This is the first time that actual representatives of the private sector have been involved in formulating tax policy. The committee includes representatives from the Chambers of Commerce and Industry in Damascus and Aleppo, in addition to the Dean of the Faculty of Economics at Damascus University, the President of the Association of Certified Public Accountants, and two independent financial experts.

According to the Ministry of Finance's decision, the committee must complete its tasks by July 30th and will work intensively and around the clock, in coordination with various relevant ministries and institutions.

Minister Barniyeh stated that the purpose of forming the committee is to "accelerate efforts to modernize the tax system" by simplifying procedures, utilizing modern technologies, reducing the number of taxes and fees, enhancing transparency and fairness, and encouraging voluntary compliance among taxpayers.

Barniyeh noted that this step reflects a practical implementation of the partnership with the private sector. It also represents an openness to universities and academic centers, through the inclusion of a representative from economics colleges on the committee, in addition to benefiting from the expertise of international institutions.

This step is part of the new Syrian government's efforts to rebuild the national economy after decades of decline during the rule of ousted dictator Bashar al-Assad. The current administration seeks to establish a more just and stable economic structure, in parallel with reconstruction and recovery plans.