The Syrian Future Movement is closely following developments in the economic landscape in Syria, most notably the announcement of the resumption of the commercial maritime route between Syria and Italy via the port of Latakia, after a hiatus of more than five years due to international sanctions and the deterioration of Syrian port infrastructure.
We, in the Syrian Future Movement, consider this event a highly significant indicator, carrying both opportunities and challenges. It calls for a thorough political and economic analysis in light of our vision for a new Syria, which we aspire to as a pluralistic, civil state connected to the world and built on justice, transparency, and sustainable development.
The Syrian Future Movement believes that the resumption of the maritime route represents a first step toward repositioning Syria on the regional trade map. It reflects the beginning of a partial break from the economic isolation imposed on the country by the security policies and institutional corruption of the former regime. It also demonstrates that international parties have begun to engage with Syria as a potential logistical partner, albeit within narrow limits.
While we welcome any economic openness that serves the interests of Syrians, we in the Syrian Future Movement call for the opening of ports, as this must be part of a transparent national policy, managed in partnership with independent civil institutions, and subject to public accountability and oversight.
The Syrian Future Movement calls for the launch of a national project to restructure Syrian ports and connect them to internal and external transport networks, ensuring that all Syrian regions benefit from this openness and redistributing resources fairly. We also demand the involvement of the honest private sector, civil society, and Syrian expertise in the diaspora in formulating this vision.
The Syrian Future Movement emphasizes that any true economic openness cannot bear fruit without comprehensive political reform that guarantees judicial independence, freedom of the media, transparency in contracts, and the fight against corruption. We believe that ports are not merely gateways for trade, but rather mirrors that reflect the nature of the existing political system and the extent to which it respects citizens’ rights.
The Syrian Future Movement calls for a participatory national economic conference to discuss the future of foreign trade, the role of ports, and mechanisms for rebuilding the Syrian economy on the basis of justice and sustainability. We propose that this conference serve as a platform for presenting initiatives from within and outside the country and connecting the Syrian diaspora to national development projects.
The Syrian Future Movement sees this event as an opportunity to rethink Syria’s position in the world, the relationship between state and society, and between economy and politics. We believe that Syria’s future cannot be built by ships alone, but rather through popular will, independent institutions, and a comprehensive national vision.
