Introduction to the Vision
A national vision serves as the essential compass guiding the course of development and progress. It provides an integrated strategic framework that outlines national priorities and channels efforts toward realizing long-term objectives, fostering the nation’s renaissance and prosperity. The presence of a clear national vision is crucial for unifying the endeavors of the government, the private sector, and civil society, guaranteeing the effective and sustainable management of resources and potential. Moreover, such a vision serves to catalyze investment, bolster economic stability, and elevate the quality of life through meticulously planned policies and projects designed for comprehensive and sustainable development. In the absence of a national vision, developmental initiatives risk becoming fragmented and lacking direction, thereby adversely affecting the nation’s competitiveness and the prospects of future generations.
Syria Vision 2045 embodies an ambitious roadmap designed to rebuild Syria and ignite an economic and developmental resurgence, aiming to place the nation among the world’s top 30 economies by the year 2045. This vision is firmly rooted in a pragmatic analysis of the current reality, focused on capitalizing on emerging opportunities, and committed to leveraging Syria’s inherent national potential to drive a thorough and lasting transformation.
An Overview of Syria
Nestled in the heart of the Middle East, Syria encompasses an area of approximately 185,180 square kilometers. Prior to 2011, its population was estimated at nearly 23 million. Syria benefits from a uniquely strategic geographical position, linking Asia, Europe, and Africa, which has historically established it as a vital nexus for trade, a melting pot of civilizations, and a significant economic conduit. Syria is home to a rich cultural legacy spanning millennia, having served as the cradle for some of humanity’s earliest civilizations and as a distinguished center for culture and science.
The nation is distinguished by its geographical and climatic diversity, encompassing fertile plains, majestic mountains, and a scenic coastline along the Mediterranean Sea. This variety endows Syria with considerable agricultural, touristic, and economic potential. The country also possesses promising natural resources, including oil, natural gas, and valuable minerals, complemented by skilled human capital ready to contribute significantly to the path of sustainable development.
Geographical and Climatic Diversity
Syria's diverse landscape and climate zones include:
- The Syrian coastline stretching 183 km along the Mediterranean Sea.
- Expansive fertile agricultural plains, such as the Ghab and Hauran plains, which historically positioned Syria as a key agricultural producer in the region.
- Mountain ranges and highlands, including the Latakia Mountains and Mount Hermon (Jabal al-Sheikh), known for their temperate climate and appeal for tourism.
- The Syrian Badia (steppe/desert region), covering roughly 55% of the nation's landmass and holding significant natural resources.
- Economy and Natural Resources
Economy and Natural Resources
Before the onset of the revolution, the Syrian economy was principally based on agriculture, industry, trade, and tourism, with its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) estimated at approximately $60 billion. Syria is endowed with abundant natural resources, notably:
- Estimated crude oil reserves of 2.5 billion barrels and natural gas reserves reaching about 8.5 trillion cubic feet.
- Significant mineral wealth, including phosphates, rock salt, and marble.
- A robust agricultural sector, historically contributing around 25% to the national GDP, with Syria renowned for its production of wheat, olives, cotton, and various fruits.
- Human Capital
The Syrian people constitute a formidable human capital asset. Before 2011, the nation’s literacy rate surpassed 85%. Syrian universities annually graduated thousands of skilled engineers, doctors, and researchers, significantly enhancing the country’s capacity for future development and innovation.
A Brief History of Syria
Syria’s history extends back thousands of years. Its lands witnessed the dawn of major human civilizations and gave the world its oldest known alphabet. Syria is home to some of the world’s most ancient continuously inhabited cities, like Damascus and Aleppo, which thrived as vital commercial and cultural hubs across centuries. Furthermore, the country boasts six UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the historic city of Palmyra, the Old City of Damascus, and the iconic Krak des Chevaliers castle.
In the 20th century, Syria enjoyed a period of flourishing under national rule, characterized by notable economic, scientific, and cultural advancement. However, this era was followed by challenging periods involving nationalization policies, the Ba’ath Party’s consolidation of power, and subsequently, the Assad regime’s control beginning in 1970.
Over a span of 61 years, the Syrian people endured profound oppression and persecution, effectively turning Syria into what many experienced as a vast prison. This environment fueled several movements striving for freedom, particularly during the 1980s, which ultimately culminated in the eruption of the Syrian Revolution in March 2011. The Assad regime met the popular uprising with brutal force; numerous reports cite figures approaching one million individuals martyred, missing, or forcibly disappeared, in addition to over 15 million people displaced internally or as refugees abroad.
Despite the regime’s relentless efforts and its deployment of all forms of weaponry, including chemical agents, the dawn of freedom finally broke over Syria on December 8, 2024.
Notwithstanding the profound challenges the nation has navigated, Syria today looks resolutely towards the future, guided by an ambitious vision. Syria Vision 2045 is dedicated to national reconstruction, stimulating economic development, and carving out a leading position for Syria within the global economy. The vision prioritizes creating an attractive investment climate, fostering innovation, and promoting synergy between diverse sectors to realize inclusive and sustainable growth.
Stemming from a valued initiative by Renad Al Majd Company (RMG), a series of focused workshops and dynamic brainstorming sessions convened in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. These gatherings united development experts, strategic planners, prominent business figures, and intellectuals. Their collective purpose was to formulate preliminary proposals outlining the major strategic directions and foundational elements for Syria's envisioned renaissance by 2045.
This document serves as an initial draft, meticulously prepared by a dedicated team comprising experts, consultants, business leaders, and thinkers. It originates from their personal initiative and shared aspiration to ensure the success of Syria's development trajectory, offered in profound recognition of the immense sacrifices borne by the Syrian people over more than six decades.