Report of the First Session of the Inquiry and Development Solutions Program
SURIAD launched the first session of the Syrian Business Owners’ meeting series, in collaboration with UNHCR and the Syrian Dialogue Center, as part of a program aimed at supporting the Syrian business community by understanding its professional landscape and identifying the options available for the upcoming period.
The session featured an extensive workshop that examined the professional experience of Syrians in Türkiye over the past years, including the challenges of relocation, business establishment, and economic developments.
This discussion provided a comprehensive understanding of the journey of Syrian business owners and the nature of the expertise they have built throughout a decade of working in a new environment.
Pillar One: Reviewing the Professional Experience of the Past Years
The discussion explored the journey of business owners since their arrival in Türkiye, and how their experience evolved through various stages of adaptation, growth, and shifts within the business environment.
It also highlighted the challenges and opportunities that shaped this professional trajectory.
Pillar Two: Professional Expectations for the Next 3–5 Years
The discussion examined the possible scenarios for the coming period — remaining in Türkiye, returning to Syria, or adopting a hybrid business model.
It also analyzed the factors influencing each option, including legal stability, safety, market size, and available economic opportunities.
Pillar Three: Analysis of the Available Professional Options
A structured review of the possible professional alternatives was presented, with space given for participants to propose additional options based on their individual circumstances and the nature of their work.
The session also included an exchange of experiences regarding development opportunities within both the Turkish and Syrian markets.
Session Outcomes: Points That Will Shape the Upcoming Sessions
The session concluded by identifying key areas that require deeper exploration in the upcoming meetings, most notably:
• The need for a clearer analysis of the legal environment in both Türkiye and Syria
• A more precise understanding of operational costs, taxation, and available business models
• Connecting business owners with experts to develop practical, actionable solutions
• A strong interest in assessing the feasibility of a hybrid business model between the two countries
No executive plans were developed at this stage; rather, the foundation was set for the practical solutions that will be formulated in collaboration with specialized experts during the upcoming sessions.
The objective is to reach actionable recommendations that help business owners make clearer and more stable professional decisions.
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