BRAND BUILDERS

SYRIA

Republic ruled by President Bashar Al Assad

Capital: Damascus

19 million inhabitants

2.3% growth

High unemployment, strong poverty

GDP: US$27.6 billion, real growth: 3.6%

GDP per capita: US$1,453

Oil reliant economy with fast disappearing reserves. Need to deepen the current shy liberalization.

Developing tourism, seen as a potential major sector, with launch of several real estate projects. Target of 7 million tourists by 2010, up from 3.1 million in 2006.

Retail scene in early stages yet slowly developing.