|
Official Report on Syrian Economy
The Syrian government daily Al-Thawra published a summary of a report on the Syrian economy in 2008, prepared by the office of the deputy prime minister. The following are some highlights.
The Syrian economy grew in 2008 by 4.5% which was below the planned target of 6.33%. Three factors affected the performance of the economy: drought in the agricultural sector which caused a decline a second year in succession of 10.32% in 2007 and 22.53% in 2008; the global financial crisis; and the new policies that reduced price support [subsidies to key food commodities]
The drought caused a decline in the production of wheat by 47%, barley by 76%, lentils by 31%; sugar beets by 76%, and agricultural products for industry by 24%.
The manufacturing industry and trade showed improvement. However, no figures were made available.
[Syria is in its third year of drought, which will continue to negatively impact the agricultural sector in 2009, and will force Syria to import grain to meet its people's needs.]
Source: Al-Thawra, Syria, October 12, 2009
Posted at: 2009-10-13
| 
