Project for Building Integrated Industrial Zone

Project Framework and Signing Parties

The Raqqa branch of the Syrian Investment Authority signed a memorandum of understanding with Kayan Commercial Holding Group and Turkish construction firm MYB, at the closing of the 24th edition of the Buildex International Construction and Building Exhibition, held at the New Damascus Fairgrounds. The agreement covers the establishment and development of a dedicated craft and industrial zone in Raqqa governorate, reflecting a public-private partnership model at both the local and international levels. According to the Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA), the project falls within the framework of Raqqa Vision 2030, the governorate's medium-term development plan.

Background to the Agreement

The memorandum builds on earlier governmental groundwork. On 3 March 2026, the Minister of Economy and Industry, Nidal al-Shaar, met the Governor of Raqqa, Abd al-Rahman Salama, at the Ministry in Damascus. The two reviewed the state of the industrial and craft sectors in the governorate and agreed to begin studying the establishment of a comprehensive industrial city and an organized craft zone, with the aim of accommodating productive activity, organizing workshops, and improving the investment environment. The June memorandum translates that study phase into a concrete partnership.

Project Components and Development Objectives

The project centers on rehabilitating infrastructure and strengthening craft and industrial activity in Raqqa. It includes the development of commercial units built to modern standards, the construction of wide roads, and the installation of integrated service networks designed to meet investment and development requirements. The planned zone will also incorporate service points dedicated to various industries, alongside medical facilities and emergency response stations. Reports of the signing indicate that the zone is planned to comprise approximately 3,000 craft and industrial commercial units, a figure cited by Safir Press and Hawa Alsham; the area, total investment value, and budget were not specified in the available sources.

Targeted Craft and Industrial Sectors

The director of the Raqqa Investment Authority branch, Engineer Basel Hamouiyeh, stated that the zone will accommodate dozens of crafts and professions, with commercial units distributed according to trade specializations. Key sectors include:

• Glass manufacturing
• Carpentry and woodwork
• Automotive mechanics
• Aluminum work and blacksmithing
• Other industrial crafts and trades

This organizational model aims to relocate craft and industrial activities to a purpose-built area, thereby improving urban order and reducing noise levels within residential neighborhoods.

Timeline and Investment Facilitation

Engineer Hamouiyeh confirmed that the Authority is offering facilitations to companies wishing to invest in this sector, including suitable payment and ownership mechanisms for prospective tenants. He stated that the project is expected to be completed within eighteen months of the commencement of works. One outlet (Safir Press) reported the foundation stone could be laid within roughly one month of the signing and described an execution period of one and a half to two years; this wider range should be read as a reported estimate pending an official schedule.

The Project Within Raqqa's Rebuilding Trajectory

Walid Al-Hindawi, Chairman of Kayan Holding, noted that the establishment of this zone forms part of broader efforts to encourage Raqqa's residents to return to the governorate and participate in its rebuilding and development. The signing took place within a wider context in which the 24th Buildex edition witnessed the conclusion of several agreements and memoranda of understanding between Syrian, Arab, and foreign companies, aimed at advancing rebuilding partnerships and transferring international expertise in construction and building to Syria.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who are the parties to the memorandum of understanding?
The Raqqa branch of the Syrian Investment Authority, Kayan Commercial Holding Group (Syrian), and the Turkish construction firm MYB.

Where will the industrial zone be located?
In Raqqa governorate. The memorandum was signed at the New Damascus Fairgrounds during the 24th Buildex International Construction and Building Exhibition.

What will the zone contain?
Commercial units built to modern standards, wide roads, integrated service networks, service points for various industries, medical facilities, and emergency response stations. Reports cite a planned capacity of approximately 3,000 craft and industrial units.

Which crafts and industries are targeted?
Glass manufacturing, carpentry and woodwork, automotive mechanics, aluminum work, blacksmithing, and other industrial crafts and trades.

What is the expected timeline?
Engineer Basel Hamouiyeh stated the project is expected to be completed within eighteen months of the start of works. One outlet reported a wider estimated range of one and a half to two years, with the foundation stone laid within roughly one month of signing.

What is Raqqa Vision 2030?
According to SANA, the project falls within the framework of Raqqa Vision 2030, the governorate's medium-term development plan. The full contents of the plan were not detailed in the available sources.

What is the purpose of relocating crafts to a dedicated zone?
To improve urban order and reduce noise within residential neighborhoods by moving craft and industrial activity to a purpose-built area.