Egyptian Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Syrian Ministry of Communications Agree to Boost Digital Cooperation
The Federation of Egyptian Chambers of Commerce (FEDCOC), chaired by Ahmed El Wakil, has reached an agreement with the Syrian Ministry of Communications and Information Technology to enhance bilateral cooperation through the organization of a Egyptian–Syrian Forum for Egyptian Information Technology Companies in Syria, aimed at supporting digital transformation and contributing to the revival of the Syrian economy.
The agreement was announced during a meeting between Abdul Salam Heikal, Syrian Minister of Communications and Information Technology, and Ahmed El Wakil, in the presence of Eng. Hany Mahmoud, First Vice Chairman of the Federation, and Eng. Khalil Hassan Khalil, Chairman of the General Division of Digital Economy.
Discussions focused on strengthening cooperation in the ICT sector, recognized as one of the most vital drivers of sustainable economic growth.
This visit marks the first practical step following the recent visit of the Federation’s delegation to Syria last week, reflecting both sides’ commitment to advancing Egyptian–Syrian economic relations.
El Wakil welcomed the cooperation, emphasizing that the ICT sector is among Egypt’s most dynamic industries, recording annual growth rates ranging between 14% and 16%, and contributing approximately 6% of Egypt’s GDP. He noted that the sector is supported by Egypt’s Digital Strategy, digital transformation programs, localization of electronics manufacturing, and the expansion of outsourcing services.
He added that Egypt’s digital exports are expected to grow by 700%, exceeding USD 7.4 billion in 2025, driven by strong human capital and a highly trained workforce.
The discussions also addressed the transfer of Egypt’s experience in e-government applications, development of Syria’s digital infrastructure, and digital transformation across industry, trade, and services. Additional areas included support for startups, digital exports development, talent empowerment, and localization of electronics manufacturing through national digitization initiatives and value-added services.
During the meeting, Egyptian initiatives supporting innovation and entrepreneurship were reviewed, including “Creativa – Egypt Digital Innovation Centers,” large-scale ICT training programs, startup support schemes, the “Digitopia” competition for talent discovery, and the “Egypt Makes Electronics” initiative aimed at boosting exports and creating employment opportunities. Joint initiatives implemented in cooperation with the Federation through the Digital Economy Division were also highlighted.
El Wakil confirmed the Syrian minister’s strong welcome of Egyptian–Syrian cooperation and the transfer of Egypt’s successful experiences to Syria. Both sides agreed to organize an Egyptian–Syrian ICT Forum in Damascus in the coming period as a practical mechanism to activate cooperation swiftly.
“We are targeting a genuine partnership that benefits the peoples and governments of both countries, creates added value, and generates employment opportunities for our youth,” El Wakil said, stressing that the Egyptian private sector is ready to transfer its expertise across key sectors supporting Syria’s economy, particularly reconstruction, infrastructure, and industry, building on Egypt’s successful economic experience over the past decade.
For his part, Eng. Khalil Hassan Khalil affirmed the Digital Economy Division’s readiness to cooperate with Syria, noting that the next phase will witness the transfer of Egyptian expertise in digital transformation, capacity building, workforce training, and participation in joint technology projects supporting Syria’s economic recovery while strengthening the regional presence of Egyptian ICT companies.