Saudi + Syria agree to more investment cooperation: Saudi Investment Minister Khalid Al Falih and Syrian Economy and Industry Minister Mohammad Nidal Al Shaar signed an agreement yesterday to promote and protect investments in both countries, the ministry said on X. The agreement, which was signed during a Syrian delegation visit to Riyadh yesterday, aims to ensure legal safeguards for investors, ease capital flows, create new jobs, and support sustainable economic development. The Syrian minister also met with Industry and Mineral resources Minster Bandar Alkhorayef, where they discussed future prospects of industrial integration and cooperation between the two countries.

The Investment Ministry recently opened a new office in Damascus to oversee the implementation of the Saudi-Syrian agreements, Director General of the Syrian Investment Authority, Talal Al Hilali told Alarabiya (watch, runtime: 1:56).

Al Falih also backed the private sector’s plan to establish a “fund of funds” to act as a central platform for organized investment, helping channel large volumes of financing into Syria’s priority sectors and ensuring projects are carried out effectively, Asharq Business reports. Meanwhile, BinDawood Investment has recently finalized the signing of its updated agreement with Syria’s Tourism Ministry to set up a joint fund focused on tourism, real estate, and infrastructure.

Syrian exchange coming next? Tadawul has begun a feasibility study with the Damascus Securities Exchange on creating and operating a Syrian bourse, Al Falih added.

IN CONTEXT- The Saudi-Syrian Investment Forum held last month in Damascus put forth 47 agreements worth over SAR 24 bn in sectors like real estate, energy, ICT, finance, infrastructure, aviation, and healthcare. The real estate sector came on top with signed agreements worth over SAR 7.2 bn.

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