Founding of the German-Syrian Business Council (GSBC)

The Euro-Mediterranean-Arab Association (EMA e.V.), under the leadership of its President Thomas Wülfing and Secretary General Dr. Abdelmajid Layadi, is pleased to announce the founding of the German-Syrian Business Council (GSBC).

This strategic initiative represents a significant milestone in strengthening bilateral economic relations between Germany and Syria.

The GSBC sees itself as a structured and independent platform for:

  • responsible engagement of the private sector

  • investment promotion

  • high-level dialogue.

It brings together institutional stakeholders, business leaders, and interdisciplinary experts to support Syria’s reconstruction, regulatory clarity, and economic participation in a changing environment.

The Council is led by a distinguished founding board:

  • Mamdouh Al Tajjar
    Founding President and Chairman of the Board

  • Nadia Al Bakri
    Vice Chairwoman

  • Basel Al Ali
    Board Member – Business Development and Industrial Partnerships

  • Tobias Beutgen
    Board Member – Government and Diplomatic Relations

  • Maya Patsalides
    Board Member – Women’s Empowerment and NGO Strategy

  • Prof. Dr.-Ing. Peter Hartwig
    Board Member – Environmental Technology

In parallel with the institutional setup, the GSBC has defined its initial strategic priorities:

  • Publication of a White Paper on investment protection and regulatory frameworks in Syria

  • Coordination of a high-level business delegation to Damascus

  • Organization of the first German-Syrian Economic Conference

  • Establishment of an Export Desk in partnership with Syrian and German institutions

  • Promotion of diplomatic and sector-specific dialogue between both countries

The GSBC warmly invites German and Syrian companies, financial institutions, chambers of commerce, and professionals to join this initiative and collaboratively build a reliable, future-oriented economic partnership.

For inquiries and partnership requests, please contact:
GSBC@ema-germany.org