Analysts: reforming Syria's economy needs acceleration and revitalization
Syria, Politics, 2/21/2004

Diplomats and analysts said that Syria needs more exerted efforts and greater speed to open up its economy which is controlled by the state, despite the return back of private banks to Syria after 40 years of absence.

In its efforts to maintain economic reform, promised by President Bashar al-Assad, Syria has alleviated its fist on the financial sector earlier this year. A western diplomat said the reforms can proceed in a much greater pace," adding "these reforms are not executed in an integrated and united way, and do not cover all basics.. This is a real problem."

However, there are no current plans in Syria to strongly conceive privatization because of fears of its social implications. The diplomat said "no body adopts policies of a free market in one day and night.. There are legitimate reasons for concern, but difficult decisions of undesired consequences for the short run should be taken."

The diplomat added "But the government continues to confirm that the public sector is the dynamo for growth and privatization is still a hated word." Analysis say that economic reforms should go side by side with political liberalization. A prominent western diplomat said " they try at great effort to carry out the economic, social and administrative reforms but it seems that they step one pace forward for two backward."

Damascus is also facing great international pressures. The diplomat said "the liberal reformers abroad say that the pressures on Syria does not serve the reforms which will be genuine if an agreement is not made with the European Union." he added " But because Syria is exposed to pressures at all fronts, the political liberalization can be considered a venue from which it can get rid off criticism without giving concessions."

Previous Stories:
  More than 1,000 Syrian intellectuals call for political reforms   (2/6/2004)
  700 Syrian activists demand the government reforms   (2/4/2004)
  British House of common chairman in Damascus   (1/5/2004)

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