Damascus: Syrian officials have praised the role of Qatar in boosting the country’s economic recovery through significant contributions to the electricity sector. This comes on the anniversary of the revolution’s victory, highlighting the strategic partnership between the two nations.
According to Qatar News Agency, Waleed Youssef, Executive Vice President of the Syrian Petroleum Company, emphasized the impact of the Qatar Fund for Development’s (QFFD) grant, which provides 3.4 million cubic meters of gas daily. This supply has substantially improved electricity generation, enhancing economic activities across Syrian governorates. The increased electricity has extended operational hours for factories and commercial establishments, improving daily life for citizens and stimulating commercial activities.
Khaled Abu Di, General Director of the General Company for Transmission and Distribution of Electricity in Syria, highlighted Qatari support as crucial for strengthening the Syrian electricity sector. Initially, Qatar supplied one million cubic meters of gas daily via pipelines connecting with Jordan, boosting power at the Deir Ali plant. The subsequent phase, funded by Qatar, increased supply to 3.4 million cubic meters per day, facilitating an additional 500 megawatts of production. This support has extended daily electricity supply from 4-5 hours to 7-8 hours, enhancing sector efficiency and sustainability through training and technical consultations.
Economist and banking expert Ibrahim Nafi Qushji noted that the Qatari-funded gas entry marked a turning point in electricity production costs and supply chain stability. The increased gas flow has stabilized the network, raised supply hours to 8-10 hours in industrial cities, and reduced reliance on costly generators. This stability strengthens commercial sectors, bolsters supply chain reliability, and gradually decreases the fuel import bill. Qushji highlighted improvements in Aleppo’s factories, increased production line utilization, and job creation.
Economist Khaled Al Terkawi further acknowledged that Qatari gas revitalized the Syrian industrial sector, boosting investor confidence and leading to increased industrial plot subscriptions and infrastructure restoration. He emphasized that Qatar’s strategic investment vision aims to integrate the Syrian economy into the regional system, leveraging Syria’s industrial and agricultural base and skilled workforce. Improved electricity has revitalized commercial activities, water supply, and internet quality, restoring life to major cities like Damascus, Aleppo, and Homs.