IMF Tax Mission Confirms Syria's Draft Tax Laws Meet International Standards

Mission Scope and Consultations

Finance Minister Mohammad Yasser Barnieh received the International Monetary Fund's tax policy mission at the conclusion of its visit to Syria. The mission's mandate centred on consultations over draft tax laws currently being prepared and developed in line with current reform priorities. The delegation held a series of working sessions with the ministry's technical team and the Tax Reform Committee, during which the new draft laws were reviewed, their legislative structure examined, and implementation mechanisms discussed.

The mission also provided technical observations on the legal texts and delivered detailed presentations on international best practices in the areas of income tax, value-added tax, and indirect taxation.

Mission's Assessment of the Reform Drafts

The IMF delegation expressed appreciation for the steps Syria has taken in modernising its tax system, stating that the draft laws reflect a serious orientation toward alignment with international standards. The mission put forward proposals to complete certain legislative and implementation aspects, and confirmed its readiness to continue technical support in subsequent phases, particularly in the preparation of executive regulations.

Expanded Workshop in Damascus

As part of the mission's programme, an expanded workshop was held in Damascus to discuss the new tax system. The workshop brought together representatives from chambers of industry and chambers of commerce, alongside specialists and academics in taxation and public finance, with the IMF team in attendance.

Priorities of the New Tax Framework

Minister Barnieh stated during his meeting with the mission that the new tax system was designed according to Syrian priorities for supporting economic recovery. He indicated that the framework targets economic activation, encouragement of the private sector, and reduction of the tax burden on lower-income groups, while drawing on international experience and institutions to serve these objectives.

Syria's Renewed Cooperation with the IMF

Economic researcher Dr. Abdullah Al-Fares noted that Syria has been restoring its cooperation with the Fund, particularly with the Central Bank of Syria and the Ministry of Finance, with the aim of developing monetary and fiscal policy management, strengthening the capacity of economic institutions, and improving data quality, transparency, and governance.

He added that any reform implementation should take into account the specific conditions of an economy emerging from a prolonged conflict, the extent of damage to productive sectors and infrastructure, and the need to preserve targeted support for productive sectors and the most vulnerable groups, linking reforms to Syria's rebuilding and economic development priorities.