Arab News: Jordan and Syria are expected to strengthen bilateral cooperation and exchange expertise in the banking and financial sectors, as central bank governors of both nations prepare for official meetings in the coming days.
Speaking to Jordan News Agency, also known as Petra, Adel Sharkas, governor of the Central Bank of Jordan, said that the meetings will reinforce cooperation between both countries in areas including banking supervision, financial technology, and financial inclusion.
Sharkas made these comments ahead of the visit of Abdul Qader Hasriya, governor of the Central Bank of Syria, who is scheduled to arrive in Jordan on Dec. 3.
In November, a delegation from the Central Bank of Syria concluded a visit to the Banking Studies Institute and the Jordanian FinTech Academy to review Jordan’s experience in developing institutional structures and strengthening regulatory and technical frameworks in the financial sector.
Citing Sharkas, Petra reported that the “meetings will showcase Jordan’s banking and financial expertise to the Syrian delegation and explore opportunities for Jordanian-Syrian partnerships that support Syria’s economic reconstruction.”
Jordan’s Central Bank has also provided specialized technical assistance to its Syrian counterpart in recent months, including hosting 16 Syrian employees last week and sending technical delegations to Damascus approximately six months ago for fieldwork.
He further said that Jordanian fintech companies have evolved as a regional model, as the central bank continues to partner with the private sector to build an advanced financial infrastructure, enhancing electronic payment systems.
According to Sharkas, Jordan’s banking sector currently enjoys a strong regional and international reputation, making it a preferred destination for investment and expansion in neighboring markets.
He added that several Jordanian banks are currently planning to enter the Syrian market.
The governor opined that Jordan’s fintech experience, including the Central Bank’s regulatory sandbox and entrepreneurial support funds, could help young entrepreneurs from both Jordan and Syria to launch joint ventures.
In November, Syrian Minister of Agriculture Amjad Badr conducted a meeting with Jordan’s Ambassador to Damascus, Sufyan Al-Qudah, where both parties discussed ways to revive cooperation in the field of agriculture.
In the same month, Jordan said that it is ready to provide Syria and Lebanon with energy, as officials from the three countries met in Amman to revive electricity and gas supply schemes.
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2624714/business-economy
