Vice President of the Syrian Opposition Coalition (SOC), Abdul Majeed Barakat, underscored the imperative shift from relying on humanitarian aid to fostering production and self-reliance during the inaugural investment conference in Al-Rai, Northern Aleppo. He emphasized the SOC’s commitment to creating a conducive environment for investment, focusing on legal frameworks, economic incentives, and an independent judiciary to ensure justice and the rule of law.
Barakat outlined a multifaceted strategy, encompassing strengthening security forces, civil police, and restructuring the Syrian National Army to enhance defensive capabilities. He highlighted efforts to empower local councils within the Ministry of Local Administration, acknowledging hurdles in product export-import logistics and the need to facilitate the movement of people and investors across borders, including cooperation with the Turkish government.
While acknowledging the challenges, Barakat stressed the necessity of simultaneous efforts, describing them as a snowball effect, progressively gaining size and momentum. He noted the considerable advancements in governance, security, and services achieved in liberated areas, crediting the Syrian Revolution forces, civil society, and business communities for their contributions.
Barakat expressed the SOC’s commitment to ensuring a free, dignified, and secure life for the Syrian people, asserting the responsibility to overcome obstacles. He advocated for a unified system for industrial and commercial licenses, securing exports, and extending incentives to more countries. Barakat addressed the instability in humanitarian aid distribution, advocating for a disciplined approach and redirecting relief programs to enhance production capabilities and secure grants and small loans for liberated areas.
Recognizing the need for collective effort, Barakat appreciated the contributions of traders, investors, and businessmen in advancing the economy and improving living conditions. He highlighted the favorable investment conditions in liberated areas, including abundant labor, raw materials, and an untapped environment rich in opportunities. Barakat envisioned these areas as a model for living and urged the establishment of investment projects to realize stability, security, and prosperity for the Syrian people.
(Source: SOC’s Media Department)
