ILO visits employers’ organizations in Syria to discuss economic recovery and private sector support
19 December 2024
Damascus (ILO News) The International Labour Organization (ILO) reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Syria’s economic recovery during a visit to Damascus on December 17. Led by Mr. Peter Rademaker, Regional Deputy Director of the ILO Regional Office for the Arab States, and Mr. José Manuel Medina Checa, Senior Specialist for Employers’ Activities, the visit aimed to strengthen ties with Syrian employers’ organizations and explore avenues for cooperation in the country’s rebuilding efforts. After a 13-year civil war, Syria is entering a challenging transition period. Over 90% of the population lives below the poverty line, millions remain displaced, and critical infrastructure such as housing, hospitals, and transportation networks has been severely damaged. The private sector has faced immense hardships, with factories destroyed, supply chains disrupted, and a significant loss of skilled workers and entrepreneurs due to the conflict.
Despite these challenges, organizations such as the Chambers of Industry in Aleppo and Damascus have continued to support their members, with small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) playing a crucial role in sustaining local economies. However, the situation remains precarious, necessitating urgent reforms and international support. During their visit, Mr. Rademaker and Mr. Medina met with Mr. Louai Nahlawy, Vice-President of the Damascus Chamber of Industry (DCI), and Mr. Khaldoun Dado, DCI’s General Manager.
Cooperation with the Damascus Chamber of Industry (DCII) is essential to ensuring Syrian employers receive the support needed to navigate this new stage of recovery.
Mr Medina ILO ACT/EMP Specialist
Discussions focused on deepening cooperation between the ILO and the DCI to support Syrian employers and accelerate the nation’s recovery. Key initiatives highlighted during the meeting included the ongoing rehabilitation of the Adra Training Center, which provides training on occupational safety and health to DCI members, as well as plans to conduct a rapid skills assessment to identify workforce profiles needed in the industrial sector, facilitating the reintegration of returning Syrians.
The development of a business policy agenda was also discussed, aiming to outline the private sector’s role in Syria’s recovery by focusing on increasing competitiveness, reducing unemployment, promoting social security, and attracting foreign investment. Additionally, the potential for a joint conference between the ILO, Chambers of Industry, and other UN agencies was raised, to explore strategies for Syria’s economic recovery and identify international support mechanisms. The ILO’s visit underscores the importance of public-private partnerships in rebuilding Syria’s economy. Mr. Medina emphasized that cooperation with the DCI is essential to ensuring Syrian employers receive the support needed to navigate this new stage of recovery. Mr. Nahlawy welcomed the ILO’s continued support and stressed the importance of international collaboration to strengthen the industrial sector’s pivotal role in the country’s recovery.
We welcome the ILO’s continued support and stressed the importance of international collaboration to strengthen the industrial sector’s pivotal role in the country’s recovery.
Mr. Nahlawy Vice-President of the Damascus Chamber of Industry (DCI)
The ILO’s initiatives aim to create a sustainable foundation for economic growth, equipping Syrian employers and workers with the tools and resources needed to rebuild and thrive.