At the start of the 1990s, the Syrian economy was largely state-controlled. The demise of the Soviet Union and the Gulf War then caused serious disruption to regular trade patterns, although Syria did accrue significant financial dividends from joining the US-led coalition against Iraq. Since then, the Government has introduced gradual market-oriented reforms but the economy remains highly regulated. The Government has undertaken to accelerate the reform process in order to attract the foreign investment which it wants to develop the economy. Germany, Italy, France Spain and Turkey are the country's main trading partners.
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.