The final research report, supported by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), examined the orientations of Syrian investors in Türkiye and their economic transformations between the options of remaining and returning.
The program was managed by Mr. Halit SAVAFOĞLU, representative of SURIAD, who oversaw the various stages of implementation, starting from designing the overall framework of the dialogue sessions, coordinating with partners, and following up on the survey outputs, leading to the production of a comprehensive research report in cooperation with the Syrian Dialogue Center.
The report was officially launched during an event held on 11 February 2026 at Hilton Mall of Istanbul, with high-level participation from UNHCR representatives, international organizations such as ILO and ICMPD, Turkish business associations, as well as Syrian and Turkish business leaders.
Why this report?
In recent years, Syrian investors in Türkiye have experienced a phase of economic repositioning due to economic and legal changes in both countries. The report aimed to:
- Explore the future orientations of Syrian business owners between remaining in Türkiye or returning to Syria.
- Analyze the legal and economic challenges they face.
- Examine potential investment opportunities in both Türkiye and Syria.
- Provide practical recommendations to strengthen market linkages and promote inclusive employment.
Key Findings
- There is no unified trend among investors.
- The primary obstacle is legal and economic uncertainty.
- There are real opportunities that remain underutilized.
- Professional associations can play a pivotal role in facilitating transition or expansion.
Event Program
The event included:
- Opening remarks by UNHCR and SURIAD.
- Presentation of the report findings by the Syrian Dialogue Center.
- A first panel discussion with Syrian business associations.
- A second panel with Turkish and international institutions to discuss market linkages and inclusive employment opportunities.
- A closing networking session to foster partnerships.
The report is available in three languages:
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