At the political level, Syria has nonetheless seen significant gains in recent months with international support for stronger ties. The announcement in July that Lebanon, Turkey, Jordan and Syria would form an economic council to establish a free trade zone adds credence to the country's international status. The free trade zone is aimed at increasing competitiveness, supporting scientific research and building a strategic partnership to strengthen trade exchange between the four countries. .Russia also recently announced plans to invest in a substantial upgrade to its Mediterranean naval base near the Syrian port of Tartus.
The economic picture remains clouded by the ongoing drought however economic reforms promise potential of large investment inflows going forward. Relations with the West remain a key influencer on economic growth rates. Recent events, such as the accusation that Syria was supplying SCUD missiles to Hizbollah, continue to dampen potential development and thwart US-Syrian relations.
The pace of economic reform appears to have picked up over the past year, probably in response to adverse global and domestic conditions. As with neighbouring Lebanon, Syria has shrugged off the effects of the global financial crisis and economic slowdown, and recorded an estimated 5.9% real GDP growth in 2009. We see a slowdown in 2010, mainly due to base effects and the lagged effect of the drought on consumption. However, foreign investment continues apace, and financing conditions are improving. We see above average growth rates over the coming five years (4.7% between 2010 and 2014, compared with a global average of 3.5%, and a MENA average of 3.8%). The key risk to our outlook is lack of political focus, at present. However, despite some cabinet reshuffles, we believe that the government's commitment to liberalisation remains strong.
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Report Table of Contents:
Executive Summary
SWOT Analysis
- Syria Security SWOT
- Syria Defence Industry SWOT
- Syria Political SWOT
- Syria Economic SWOT
- Syria Business Environment SWOT
Global Defence Overview
- Global Hotspots
- Table: Election Timetable, H210-2011
- United States: Obama To Be Tested By Mid-Term Elections
- Latin America: Beyond Lula
- Western Europe: All About Austerity
- Central Europe: New Governments To Be Tested
- South-East Europe: Turkey's Ongoing Evolution
- Russia And The Former Soviet Union: Focus On Security
- Middle East: Ongoing Challenges
- Sub-Saharan Africa: The Election Conundrum
- Asia: The Usual Risks Prevail
- Wild Cards To Watch
Middle East Security Overview
- The Middle East In A Global Context
- Challenges And Threats To Stability And Security
- Regional Power Dynamics
- Nuclear Proliferation
- External Powers
- The Outlook For The Middle East
Security Risk Analysis
- BMI's Security Ratings
- Table: Middle East And Africa Defence And Security Ratings
- Table: Middle East And North Africa State Vulnerability To Terrorism Index
- Syria's Security Risk Ratings
- City Terrorism Rating
- Table: BMI's Middle East And North Africa City Terrorism Index
Political Overview
Domestic Security Overview
- Internal Security Situation
- Latest Developments
- External Security Situation
Armed Forces And Government Spending
- Armed Forces
- Table: Regional Armed Forces, 2010 (including conscripted)
- International Deployments
- Weapons Of Mass Destruction
- Latest Developments
Market Overview
- Imports
- Exports
- Procurement Trends And Developments
Forecast Scenario
- Defence Outlook
- Table: Syria's Armed Forces, 2007-2014 ('000 personnel)
- Table: Syrian Government Defence Expenditure, 2007-2014
- Macroeconomic Outlook
- Table: Syria - Economic Activity, 2007-2014
Country Snapshot: Syria Demographic Data
- Section 1: Population
- Table: Demographic Indicators, 2005-2030
- Table: Rural/Urban Breakdown, 2005-2030
- Section 2: Education And Healthcare
- Table: Education, 2002-2005
- Table: Vital Statistics, 2005-2030
- Section 3: Labour Market And Spending Power
- Table: Employment Indicators, 1999-2003
- Table: Consumer Expenditure, 2000-2012 (US$)
Methodology
- How We Generate Our Industry Forecasts
- Defence Industry
- City Terrorism Rating
- Table: Methodology
- Sources
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Fast Market Research is an online aggregator and distributor of market research and business information. We represent the world's top research publishers and analysts and provide quick and easy access to the best competitive intelligence available.
