A Ministerial Decree
Syria's Minister of Economy and Industry, Nidal al-Shaar, issued a decision on 14 May 2026 forming the Syrian-Hungarian Business Council on the Syrian side. The decree presents the council as part of a wider effort to strengthen economic and commercial ties with Hungary and to develop the operation of joint business councils with countries around the world.
Who Will Lead It
Under the decision, Muhammad Mounia was appointed president of the council, with Ghassan al-Tarsha and Alaa Taljibeeni as vice presidents, Ahmad Barak as secretary general, and Yasser Billal as the officer responsible for public relations. The five-person leadership team takes office as the council's first cohort representing the Syrian side in dealings with Hungarian counterparts.
Sole Recognized Counterpart
The order designates the Syrian-Hungarian Business Council as the only body officially recognized on the Syrian side in its relations with the Hungarian side, in line with procedures adopted by the Ministry of Economy and Industry. The council is required to operate under the by-laws governing Syria's joint business councils with foreign states, alongside the regulating charter and procedural guide issued by the Syrian Council for Coordinating Joint Business Councils.
Coordination From Damascus
Under the framework, the Syrian Council for Coordinating Joint Business Councils with countries around the world will take on the task of coordinating, organizing and developing the new body's work, in line with national economic priorities. That oversight role places the Hungary council inside a centralized hierarchy rather than letting it operate as a stand-alone chamber.
Second Joint Council This Month
The Hungarian decision follows a similar decree issued by the same minister on 3 May 2026, forming the Syrian-Egyptian Business Council on the Syrian side, in the same drive to strengthen economic cooperation between Syria and its partners. Together, the two orders point to a steady build-out of formal channels for Syria's bilateral business diplomacy, with each new council inheriting the same by-laws and coordination requirements.