The British Syrian Society will be holding the Syrian Banking and Investment Conference at the Four Seasons Hotel, Damascus, from 31 October to 2 November 2008.

Since its inception in 2004, the annual Banking & Investment conference has presented a unique opportunity for Syrian entrepreneurs to exchange ideas with their international counterparts, policy makers and strategists.

The conference has stimulated open debate and discussion with ministers, business people and experts on the challenges facing the Syrian society.

Following previous conferences, the British Syrian Society submitted a list of recommendations to the Syrian Government, many of which have been adopted.

These include modifications or new legislation in the following sectors:

• Public finance
• Taxation
  
• Customs
  
• Banking
  
• Insurance

The 2008 conference will focus on the banking sector as a catalyst for encouraging investment, will explore ways of making Syria a more attractive destination for foreign investors and will make further recommendations to Syria’s business leaders, and policy-makers.