The Syrian Development Fund starts from the heart of Damascus: the beginning of the reconstruction phase

Yesterday, Thursday, Syrian President Ahmed Al -Shara announced the launch of the “Syrian Development Fund” as one of the most prominent national initiatives that will constitute a major tool for the reconstruction of the country, after years of destruction left by the ousted regime. The announcement came during an event held at the Damascus Castle in the Syrian capital, amid a wide official and popular presence, according to the official news agency “SANA”.
In his speech, Al -Shara said: “We meet to announce the launch of the Syrian Development Fund, through which we invite you to spend from your money to build what was destroyed by the defunct regime, and we salute the land that they burned green.” He added that the former regime destroyed the economy, looted money, and dispersed the Syrian people between the camps and the countries of asylum, stressing that the new stage will be dedicated to the healing of the wounds of Syria and the return of the displaced and the displaced to their land. He also addressed the Syrians by saying: “Syrians, I am not here to find charity on Syria, because the Levant may God ensure it and its people, but it is a moment to remember our duty to all of the honor of giving to our country and our nation.” On his part, the Director General of the Fund, Muhammad Safwat Abdel Hamid Raslan, described the initiative as a “compass for reconstruction in our wounded homeland in fulfillment of the sacrifices of the martyr.” He explained that the fund adopts a comprehensive vision aimed at unifying the efforts of the state, civil society, the private sector and the people of Syria at home and abroad, while ensuring transparency in managing resources and creating job opportunities and service and economic projects in various governorates. He also stressed that the work will be launched with clear programs based on transparency and accountability, so that the fund turns into a symbol of transparency and an engine for growth and stability. According to the “Syrian News” channel, the value of donations for the fund reached only one hour after its launch about 60 million dollars, which reflects a rapid response to the initiative. The fund aims to contribute to the reconstruction, restoration and development of infrastructure, including roads, bridges, airports and ports Water, electricity and communications networks, in addition to financing projects through the “good loan” mechanism. The Fund is considered an independent economic institution established by a presidential decree issued on July 9, with the aim of leading the reconstruction process and achieving sustainable development. It should be noted that in 2017 the United Nations estimated the cost of Syria’s reconstruction by about 250 billion dollars, while experts believe that the number may rise today to 400 billion dollars after the fall of the previous regime in late 2024.