First Beirut Forum
Syria and Lebanon convened their first joint investment forum in Beirut on 23 September 2026, drawing more than 500 companies alongside government delegations from both countries. Organizers framed the gathering as the start of a long-term partnership rather than a single event.
The Syrian delegation was headed by the minister of economy and industry, accompanied by the ministers of transport, tourism, health and agriculture, signaling a cross-sector push to turn discussions into concrete projects.
Rail and Road Funding
Officials detailed a $200 million grant from the World Bank earmarked for rehabilitating the railway network, which spans roughly 2,800 kilometers, of which about 1,000 kilometers remain operational. The work is to proceed gradually, prioritizing economically viable sections.
The Syrian government has separately allocated $500 million over six years to rebuild main transit roads, positioning cross-border transport as a foundation for renewed trade with the wider region.
From Transit to Production
The transport minister urged business leaders in both countries to move beyond transit activity and build "a shared production, marketing, and logistics base," drawing on complementary raw materials, industrial expertise and export capacity, particularly for agricultural goods.
He pointed to the Mediterranean coastal corridor as a natural hub where the two economies could combine their strengths to reach external markets.
Sectors and Next Steps
Participants prioritized reconstruction, infrastructure, energy, agriculture, industry and tourism, with specific attention to healthcare, including hospital reconstruction, diagnostic equipment and pharmaceutical production. The digital transformation of government services was also flagged as a priority.
A follow-up Syrian-Lebanese business forum is planned for Damascus in November 2026, intended to convert the Beirut commitments into signed projects.