BRAND BUILDERS

SYRIA

Republic ruled by President Bashar Al Assad

Capital: Damascus

19.9 million Inhabitants

2.1% growth

High unemployment, strong poverty

GDP: US$54.8 billion

GDP per capita: US$2,756

Real growth: 2.4%

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.