Foreign direct investment in Syria an analysis of investment law no 10

Abstract

This thesis examines the economic situation in Syria during the 1980's and 1990's and assesses the reasoning behind the introduction of Investment Law No. 10. It discusses the validity of the general assumption that Investment Law No. 10 marked the first step in the opening-up of the Syrian economy. It firstly examines the structure of the Syrian state to ascertain whether the regime would have any particular interest in promoting such legislation apart from a general wish to increase the economic well-being of its population, placing the discussion of investment vehicles within a more general economic framework. It then places the economic and political situation in Syria at the time of the introduction of the legislation within its particular political and economic historical context and then examines the legislation and its actual implementation and operation in detail to try to obtain an accurate picture of projects operating under Investment Law No 10. This is of particular relevance as prior to this study no overarching view of the actual implementation of Investment Law No 10 has been attempted. The wider economic picture in Syria is then scrutinized to evaluate the overall economic situation for investment projects operating under Investment Law No. 10. In conclusion, the links between economics and politics in Syria are examined in order to establish the actual motives and reasoning of the regime in introducing this particular piece of legislation.