Wheat, barley, fruit and vegetables are the other main products, the bulk of which are grown for domestic consumption. Oil is the main industry and provides two-thirds of Syrian export earnings. At the start of the 1990s, the Syrian economy was largely state-controlled. Since then, although the Government has gradually introduced market-oriented reforms, the economy is still highly regulated. In the last few years, the Government has undertaken to accelerate the reform process in order to attract foreign investment which it wants to drive future economic development.
Formal suits are necessary for business.
Business people generally speak English and French. Appointments are necessary and visiting cards are widely used. Arabs often discuss business with more than one person at a time. A list of notarised translators is available from the British Embassy. During the month of Ramadan, government offices start work one hour later than usual.