The Syrian Future Movement is following with great interest the recent announcement issued by the Damascus Governorate’s Directorate of Internal Trade and Consumer Protection regarding the adoption of a QR code system. This system, which will be clearly displayed at every commercial establishment, aims to enable citizens to instantly access licensing and owner information, facilitate the electronic filing of complaints, and enhance the efficiency of field-based food supply monitoring.
We believe this step represents a serious attempt to transition towards modern digital tools in market management, inspired by the experiences of countries that have successfully reduced commercial fraud and monopolies through technological transparency.
The Syrian Future Movement welcomes this initiative as an integral part of efforts to rebuild trust between the state and its citizens and to strengthen the principles of good governance and a fair economy during a transitional phase that requires fundamental reforms after decades of systemic corruption and comprehensive economic collapse.
We see this system as an opportunity to transform oversight from a tool of repression or extortion—as it was in the past—into a genuine mechanism for community participation that protects everyone’s rights.
The Syrian Future Movement affirms that the success of any digital reform in the Syrian context requires a deep understanding of the realities on the ground, including chronic power outages, weak internet coverage in many areas, limited digital literacy among large segments of small businesses and consumers, and ingrained suspicions toward any system that collects personal or business data. We believe these challenges do not necessitate rejecting technology, but rather carefully adapting it to be inclusive and not burdensome for vulnerable groups.
The Syrian Future Movement emphasizes that this system should not become an additional administrative burden hindering small and medium-sized businesses—which form the backbone of the Syrian economy—but rather support them by streamlining procedures and reducing arbitrary interventions.
It must also be closely linked to deeper economic reforms, including a well-considered price liberalization, combating genuine monopolies, supporting local production, and attracting investments to revitalize damaged supply chains.
Based on its national vision for the future, the Syrian Future Movement offers the following recommendations to ensure the success of this initiative and transform it into a model that can be replicated in other governorates:
- Issuing clear and transparent legislation to protect personal and commercial data, preventing the system from being used for security or political purposes, and rebuilding lost trust.
- Launching widespread, free, and accessible awareness and training campaigns, in partnership with civil society organizations and the private sector, to educate merchants and consumers on how to use the digital code, while providing temporary non-digital alternatives for those without internet access.
- Linking this system to a comprehensive national economic strategy that includes restructuring the commercial sector, supporting small and medium-sized enterprises, and mitigating the effects of international sanctions through active economic diplomacy.
- Forming independent monitoring committees comprising representatives from merchants’ unions, consumer protection associations, and civil society to periodically evaluate the system’s performance and submit public reports, thus ensuring accountability and transparency.
- Initiating a pilot program in Damascus with a comprehensive evaluation after a specified period (e.g., six months), before gradually expanding to other governorates, taking into account regional specificities in infrastructure and the local economy.
The Syrian Future Movement firmly believes that genuine economic reform begins with restoring trust and making every citizen a partner in building the state, not merely a recipient of decisions.
We call upon the transitional government and relevant authorities to engage in constructive national dialogue with political and social forces to transform this initiative into a cornerstone in building a modern, sustainable, and equitable Syrian economy worthy of our people’s sacrifices.
