The French-Syrian economic talks in Damascus transcended diplomatic frameworks, laying the groundwork for a practical roadmap aimed at reintegrating the Syrian economy into regional trade corridors, with a strong French focus on the energy, infrastructure, and financial services sectors.
Restructuring the Banking Sector as a Pillar of Financing
According to the French newspaper Les Echos, the French-Syrian Economic Forum placed the restructuring of the Syrian banking system at the forefront of its priorities.
The French side pledged to provide the necessary technical support to bring Syrian banking laws into line with international standards, a step intended to pave the way for the flow of international financing for procurement contracts and foreign direct investment, and to ensure the transparency of financial transactions.
Expanding Infrastructure and Energy
French companies have strengthened their presence in the reconstruction landscape through clear strategic moves. CMA CGM has decided to invest an additional €200 million in the port of Latakia to bolster its long-term concession agreement signed in May 2025.
In the infrastructure sector, Matière has launched a practical collaboration on the Idlib Bridge project, co-financed with the French Treasury through the Fasep fund with €750,000. This project is the cornerstone of a broader agreement encompassing 36 similar construction projects currently under consideration.
In the energy sector, Total Energy CEO Patrick Pouyanné announced the group's intention to enter the oil and gas exploration and solar energy development sectors in Syria.
The most crucial aspect of this is the feasibility study for rehabilitating the historic Kirkuk-Banias pipeline. This project aims to secure an alternative route for exporting Iraqi oil to the Mediterranean, providing a vital artery to circumvent the geopolitical risks surrounding the Strait of Hormuz.
Strategic Objectives and Mutual Interests
The current partnership's vision revolves around restoring Syria's role as a link in global trade corridors. The Syrian side has emphasized that this relationship is built on tangible economic interests that benefit both parties, separate from political disputes. The French financial package acts as a technical pressure tool aimed at regulating the Syrian market and reintegrating it into the international trade system, thus ensuring the long-term sustainability of these projects.
Zaman al-Wasl
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