UNDP Syria

Under the patronage of H.E. Abduallah Dardari, Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs, a Synopsis workshop aimed at developing a national microfinance strategy will commence on the 7th of February 2010 at 10:00 AM in the Sheraton Hotel in Damascus. This event is part of a collaborative initiative between the State Planning Commission and the United Nations Development Programme that is aimed to develop the national microfinance strategy for Syria.

The session will produce a list of priorities and challenges pertaining to the current microfinance scene in Syria in front of an audience compromised of representatives from non-governmental organizations, the private sector, in addition to UN and government relevant personnel. Following an overview presentation on the microfinance scene in Syria, the participating international and national experts will also present papers regarding the situation analysis and the institutional capacity development needs that are required to help support this sector. Moreover, the experts will provide insight on the financial access currently available for microfinance institutions and the support systems they require such as legal and information related infrastructures.

As a product of this workshop, the draft microfinance strategy is expected to be the milestone for the government’s future plans regarding the role of microfinance in economic advancement for disadvantaged populations in Syria.

This event will take place over the course of one day and will be the first official meeting between the government and the United Nations Development Programme regarding developing the national microfinance strategy in Syria.