Abstract
The Syrian economy has been growing rapidly over the past few years because of recent oil finds, but it faces serious internal and external challenges as the twenty-first century approaches. The response to these challenges has been slow, with the government giving priority to short-term stability rather than new economic thought. Economic progress will require considerable effort: long-term development to increase productivity as well as structural reform aimed at openness, liberalization, and improved efficiency. Science, technology, and human resource development are of particular importance if Syria is to compete in the global economy. Structural adjustment and long-term development should also be accompanied by a social program that compensates for rapid population growth, the negative consequences of reform, and failures of the market system.
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© 1998 Economic Research Forum
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Sukkar, N. (1998). Syria: Strategic Economic Issues. In: Shafik, N. (eds) Economic Challenges Facing Middle Eastern and North African Countries. Palgrave Macmillan, London. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-349-26124-6_8
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-349-26124-6_8
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