QC Joins Industrial Recovery Talks for Syria, Palestine and Sudan

Qatar Chamber (QC) participated in the “Private Sector Market-Based Response” dialogue on Syria, Palestine, and Sudan, which was held at the Vienna International Centre as part of the “UNIDO Dialogue for Industrial Recovery.”

The event brought together representatives of international organizations, business communities, and development institutions to discuss mechanisms for supporting economic recovery and sustainable industrial development in countries facing significant economic and humanitarian challenges.

Qatar Chamber was represented by Acting General Manager Ali Bu Sherbak Al Mansori. The dialogue was attended by Gerd Muller, Director General of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO); Sheikh Ebrahim bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, chairman of the board of trustees of the Accounting and Auditing Organization for Islamic Financial Institutions (AAOIFI); Dr Yousif Abdul Ghaffar, chairman of the Regional Network for Social Responsibility; Dr Khaled Hanafy, Secretary-General of the Union of Arab Chambers; and several secretaries-general of joint Arab-foreign chambers, along with experts and stakeholders from the public and private sectors.

During his remarks, Al Mansori emphasised that the complex economic and developmental challenges confronting Syria, Palestine, and Sudan require a shift from merely identifying needs to establishing practical and effective partnerships capable of delivering tangible and sustainable results. He stressed that the current stage calls for coordinated efforts among governments, international organisations, financial institutions, and the private sector to accelerate economic recovery and restore productive capacities.

Al Mansori highlighted the critical role of the private sector in recovery and reconstruction efforts, noting that businesses should not be viewed solely as sources of financing or investment. Instead, he described the private sector as a strategic partner capable of leading industrial and economic recovery initiatives, driving growth, creating employment opportunities, revitalising production networks, and restoring value chains that are essential for long-term economic resilience.

He noted that Qatar Chamber firmly believes that sustainable recovery begins with rebuilding productive economies and creating an enabling environment for businesses and entrepreneurs. This includes empowering small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), supporting industrial sectors with strong growth potential, and promoting industries capable of generating added value and enhancing economic self-sufficiency within local communities.

Al Mansori further expressed confidence in the readiness of the Qatari and Arab private sectors to contribute meaningfully to industrial recovery efforts in the affected countries. He said that business communities across the region are prepared to explore promising investment opportunities, participate in productive development projects, transfer expertise and technical knowledge, and establish strategic partnerships that promote sustainable growth, economic diversification, and social stability.

He also reaffirmed Qatar Chamber’s commitment to supporting regional development initiatives and strengthening cooperation with international and regional institutions. In this context, he underscored the Chamber’s willingness to work closely with UNIDO, the Union of Arab Chambers, the Regional Network for Social Responsibility, and other partners to advance initiatives that foster industrial recovery, economic resilience, and inclusive development in Syria, Palestine, Sudan, and other countries facing similar challenges.

Meanwhile, Dr. Khaled Hanafy, Secretary-General of the Union of Arab Chambers, presented a joint proposal developed by the Union of Arab Chambers, UNIDO, and the Regional Network for Social Responsibility. The proposal calls for the establishment of a dedicated fund aimed at supporting economic and social recovery efforts in Syria, Palestine, and Sudan during its initial phase, with the possibility of expanding its scope to include other Arab countries requiring support and economic rehabilitation in the future.

Dr. Hanafy explained that the proposed fund would serve as more than a financing mechanism. In addition to mobilizing resources, it would facilitate access to funding, strengthen partnerships among Arab, regional, and international organizations, and support development programs designed to enhance economic recovery and social cohesion. He noted that such initiatives could play an important role in promoting economic growth, improving living conditions, and contributing to broader social and political stability across the region.

The dialogue underscored the growing recognition of the private sector’s role as a key driver of recovery and development in conflict-affected and vulnerable economies. Participants agreed that stronger cooperation among international organizations, governments, financial institutions, and business communities will be essential to rebuilding productive sectors, creating sustainable employment opportunities, and laying the foundations for long-term prosperity and stability in Syria, Palestine, and Sudan.

Qatar Chamber’s participation in the event reflects its ongoing commitment to supporting regional economic development and promoting private-sector engagement in initiatives that contribute to sustainable growth, industrial advancement, and economic recovery across the Arab world.