Syria has secured a $50 million financing package on Sunday from the World Bank to support transport infrastructure projects as the country advances its economic recovery efforts, Syrian media reported on Sunday.
The agreement was reached during talks in Damascus between Transport Minister Yarub Badr and the bank’s Middle East regional director Jean-Christophe Carret, according to the state news agency SANA (Syrian Arab News Agency).
The funding will be used to purchase 15 new locomotives and conduct a technical evaluation of existing railway engines to determine maintenance and upgrade needs across the national rail network.
Officials also discussed the proposed “Phosphate Transport Corridor”, designed to improve phosphate shipment routes to export terminals. The project’s economic viability will be reassessed, with cost estimates and long-term sustainability reviewed, SANA said.
Badr described transport development as a key component of Syria’s economic revival and stressed the importance of continued cooperation with the World Bank on modernising infrastructure.
Carret confirmed the bank’s readiness to support development programmes in Syria and highlighted the value of maintaining institutional collaboration.
Technical teams are expected to meet next week to follow up on implementation plans, according to Syrian reports.
The talks followed virtual discussions held earlier focusing on upgrading the country’s transport system and exploring investment opportunities.
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