Events That Connect People, Markets and Ideas

As part of its role in strengthening economic and commercial relations between Canada and Syria, the Syrian Canadian Business Association (SYCAB), represented by several of its members, participated in a meeting with the Canadian Trade Commissioner at the association's office in Damascus. The meeting provided an opportunity to strengthen communication and open new avenues for cooperation between the business communities of both countries.

The Association’s participation reflected its mission to build bridges between businesses, investors, and professionals in Syria and Canada, strengthen institutional and commercial ties, and contribute to creating an enabling environment for the exchange of interests and expertise and the exploration of shared opportunities.

The meeting addressed opportunities to develop bilateral trade relations, explore potential investment opportunities and partnerships, and strengthen communication among relevant stakeholders, contributing to more effective and sustainable economic relations between the two countries.

The meeting reaffirmed the importance of maintaining direct communication between SYCAB and Canadian trade representatives to support future engagement and identify opportunities for bilateral economic cooperation.

The Canadian Trade Commissioner emphasized the importance of keeping communication channels open and expressed a willingness to provide support wherever possible. This provided a basis for continued dialogue on trade and investment opportunities, as well as the potential for connecting Canadian stakeholders with relevant Syrian businesses and organizations.

SYCAB will continue to serve as a link between the two business communities by helping identify areas of mutual interest, facilitating business introductions, and communicating opportunities and challenges raised by its members. These efforts aim to support future business engagement, encourage investment exploration, and establish practical pathways for stronger commercial relations between Canada and Syria.

As part of its commitment to supporting professional development, knowledge exchange, and institutional capacity building, the Syrian Canadian Business Association (SYCAB) implemented a specialized training program entitled “The Latest Version of the International Standards for Internal Auditing,” in cooperation with the Ministry of Administrative Development, with the participation of the Canadian company PRC (Powers Resources Corporation), which specializes in developing and delivering educational and training programs in accounting, auditing, and professional certification preparation.

Mr. Waddah Hallak delivered the program over three days, from July 25 to 27, 2026. It covered the latest developments in international internal auditing standards, their professional concepts and practical applications, as well as an introduction to the requirements for preparing for the Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) certification, which is internationally recognized.

• International Internal Auditing Standards: Reviewing the latest Global Internal Audit Standards (GIAS) issued by the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA), with particular emphasis on governance, risk management, and internal controls.
• Practical Applications: Enhancing participants’ understanding of concepts and standards through exercises, practical examples, and professional review techniques.
• CIA Certification Preparation: Introducing the certification and its requirements, highlighting recent developments in the structure and content of the examinations, and outlining preparation strategies.
• Training Resources and Tools: Introducing the educational resources, study materials, and review tools provided by PRC to support professional development and examination preparation.
• Professional Content in Arabic: Emphasizing the importance of making educational materials and professional references available in Arabic to facilitate understanding of specialized standards and concepts and expand access for professionals across the region.

In coordination with the Ministry of Administrative Development, invitations were sent to several government ministries and the Central Bank of Syria. The program drew considerable interest, with 65 candidates nominated within a few hours of registration opening. As a result, nominations were closed, and 25 participants were selected to attend the program.

Upon completion of the training, participants received certificates of attendance issued by the Canadian company PRC in recognition of their participation and completion of the program requirements.

This initiative highlights the importance of cooperation between government institutions and specialized professional organizations in supporting career development, strengthening workforce competencies, and transferring international expertise to Syria’s professional environment.

The Syrian Canadian Business Association continues to strengthen professional and institutional ties between Canada and Syria through training initiatives, knowledge exchange, and opportunities to benefit from Canadian expertise. These efforts contribute to skills development, improved professional performance, stronger institutional capacity, and sustainable economic development.

The Syrian Canadian Business Association (SYCAB) was pleased to host a meeting at its office in Damascus with H.E. Ambassador George Galligan, joined by Ms. Erin Brouse, Migration Program Manager, and Ms. Chantal Milic, First Secretary, representing the Canadian Embassy in Beirut.

The meeting provided a valuable opportunity for constructive and forward-looking dialogue on strengthening cooperation, institutional engagement, and economic connections between Canada and the Syrian business community.

The discussion addressed several areas of importance to the Syrian-Canadian business community, including:

• Visa-related matters affecting Syrians and business and professional travel
• Business delegations and professional exchanges to encourage greater interaction between business communities
• Trade activities and business missions between Canada and Syria
• Banking and financial relations to support smoother and more effective economic interaction
• Opportunities to strengthen communication and cooperation between relevant institutions and stakeholders in both countries

During the meeting, Mr. Mohammad Daaboul, Chairman of SYCAB, reaffirmed the Association’s commitment to serving as a bridge between Canadian and Syrian institutions, businesses, professionals, and communities. He emphasized the importance of sharing guidance, facilitating communication, identifying opportunities for cooperation, and helping strengthen practical connections between stakeholders in both countries.

The meeting reflects SYCAB’s ongoing commitment to promoting meaningful dialogue and supporting stronger institutional and economic ties between Canada and Syria.

SYCAB sincerely appreciates the constructive dialogue and positive engagement with the Canadian Embassy and looks forward to continued cooperation and future initiatives that create opportunities for businesses, professionals, and institutions in both countries.

The Syrian Canadian Business Association (SYCAB) was honoured to co-host a Ramadan Iftar in Damascus with the Embassy of Canada, bringing together senior Canadian and Syrian officials, business leaders, and representatives of key public and private sector institutions.

The gathering was held in the presence of the Canadian Ambassador and welcomed a broad range of Syrian government representatives, including the Governor of the Central Bank of Syria, the Minister of Finance, the Head of the Investment Authority, and the Deputy Minister of Social Affairs. Representatives from the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Housing, and Telecommunications, as well as chambers of commerce and industry, also participated in the event.

The Iftar provided a valuable platform for dialogue and engagement, bringing together stakeholders from across the public and private sectors to explore opportunities for stronger economic cooperation and meaningful institutional partnerships between Canada and Syria.

The event also marked an important moment in Canada–Syria relations following Canada’s decision to lift its sanctions on Syria, creating new opportunities for economic engagement, trade, investment, business partnerships, and long-term economic recovery.

For SYCAB, the gathering reflects our commitment to building meaningful connections between Canadian and Syrian institutions, businesses, investors, and professionals. We believe that sustained dialogue and collaboration can help create new opportunities, strengthen commercial relationships, and contribute to a more connected and dynamic business environment.

SYCAB looks forward to supporting and participating in future initiatives that bring the public and private sectors together and further strengthen the longstanding ties between Canada and Syria.

As part of its broader strategy to strengthen national capabilities, develop public-sector leadership, and support institutional transformation, the Syrian Canadian Business Association (SYCAB), in partnership with the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, and under the patronage of H.E. Minister Abdul Salam Haikal, successfully delivered a specialized executive workshop on “Change Leadership and Transformation Strategies for Technology-Driven Institutions”.

“If you stand still, you are inevitably moving backward.”

Held on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, at the Conference Hall of the Syrian Telecommunications Company in Al-Mazzeh, the workshop brought together senior technology professionals and government leaders from across Syria’s public sector.

The workshop welcomed approximately 60 IT Managers and technology professionals representing a range of government ministries and public institutions. Their participation underscored a shared commitment to strengthening leadership capacity, technological readiness, organizational agility, and institutional resilience in response to the rapidly evolving demands of digital transformation.

The workshop was led by Dr. Wissam El-Husseini, from the Schulich School of Business at York University, Canada. Dr. El-Husseini serves as Co-Director of the MBA Program and Associate Professor of Management, Strategy, and Leadership. He holds a PhD in Business Administration from Concordia University, Canada and brings extensive academic and professional expertise in leadership, strategy, and organizational transformation.

The workshop addressed critical leadership and transformation priorities, including:

• Identifying opportunities for change and translating them into practical, actionable initiatives.
• Developing the ability to anticipate, embrace, and lead change with confidence and adaptability.
• Strengthening change leadership and organizational transformation capabilities.
• Building sustainable competitive advantage through people, innovation, and strategic leadership.
• Harnessing change as a catalyst for motivation, creativity, and innovation.
• Advancing institutional agility, efficiency, resilience, and future readiness.

The workshop represents an important step in SYCAB’s commitment to facilitating knowledge exchange and strengthening professional and institutional connections between Syria and Canada. Through strategic partnerships and capacity-building initiatives, the Association seeks to bring together Canadian expertise, international best practices, and Syrian talent to support institutional development.

SYCAB is committed to playing a constructive role in human capital development, leadership empowerment, knowledge transfer, and digital transformation, and to contributing to more innovative, agile, resilient, and future-ready institutions.

In line with its commitment to preserving Syria’s cultural heritage, documenting historical landmarks, and safeguarding the country’s natural and archaeological treasures, the Syrian Canadian Business Association (SYCAB) supported the launch ceremony of the second phase of the Senir Project.

Under the patronage of the Ministry of Tourism. Supporting organizations: Syrian Canadian Business Association (SYCAB) and Madar Group of Companies.

The ceremony was attended by a number of ministers and government officials, highlighting the importance of cooperation between public institutions, the private sector, and civil society in preserving Syria’s heritage and promoting sustainable tourism.

Originally launched by Madar Group of Companies in 2008 as part of its corporate social responsibility initiatives, the Senir Project was suspended in 2011. In 2025, the project resumed with its second phase, titled “Trails of Senir: Journeys Through the Mountains”.

The renewed initiative focuses on ecotourism, outdoor exploration, and sporting activities in the mountainous areas of Rural Damascus, while encouraging greater appreciation of Syria’s natural landscapes and cultural heritage.

The launch ceremony featured remarks by:

• Mr. Mazen Al-Salehani, Minister of Tourism.
• Mr. Mohammad Daaboul, Chairman of Madar Group of Companies and the Syrian Canadian Business Association (SYCAB).
• Mr. Issam Al-Hajjar, Director of the Senir Project.

A short film was also presented, highlighting the project’s history, development, and renewed vision.

As part of the event, the six-volume encyclopedia “Archaeological Tours in Rural Damascus” was introduced. The publication documents archaeological landmarks across Rural Damascus Governorate, contributing to the preservation of Syria’s historical record and raising awareness of its archaeological wealth.

The launch also highlighted the earlier publication, “A Picture of Syria – Volume One,” which documents the natural landmarks and landscapes of Rural Damascus.

SYCAB recognizes the importance of initiatives that bring together business leaders, public institutions, and community partners to protect Syria’s cultural and natural heritage. Through its support for initiatives such as the Senir Project, the Association seeks to encourage collaboration, promote heritage awareness, and contribute to sustainable tourism and local development.

Instructor: Dr. Wissam Alhusaini. Sponsor: Ministry of Administrative Development, Madar.

The Syrian Canadian Business Association (SYCAB) was among the first organizations to resume its activities following the liberation phase, reaffirming its commitment to institutional recovery, professional development, and capacity building in Syria.

In line with SYCAB’s vision and in coordination with the Ministry of Administrative Development, the Association signed a Memorandum of Understanding to launch the Government Excellence Initiative, aimed at transferring international expertise, strengthening government training capabilities, and promoting modern public administration practices inspired by leading Canadian approaches.

Implemented during June and July 2025, the initiative focused on Trainer Enablement and Public Trainer Development, equipping government professionals with the knowledge, skills, and practical methodologies needed to improve communication, strengthen training delivery, and promote institutional excellence.

Managers from various ministries and government entities were invited to participate in the program. Following a rigorous selection process, 35 participants were selected to undertake an intensive training program focused on four key areas:

• Effective Communication: developing the skills needed to communicate ideas clearly and engage audiences effectively.
• Idea Development and Refinement: strengthening the ability to develop, structure, and communicate ideas with clarity and impact.
• Creative Audience Engagement: applying innovative techniques to capture attention, encourage participation, and deliver engaging presentations.
• Professional Training Material Design: developing high-quality educational and training materials using professional methodologies.

The workshops were led by Dr. Wissam Alhusaini, Professor of Strategic Management at York University’s Schulich School of Business in Canada. Drawing on his extensive academic and professional experience in higher education, strategic planning, leadership, and organizational development, Dr. Alhusaini shared practical knowledge and internationally informed approaches to help participants become effective knowledge ambassadors and influential leaders within their respective institutions.

The program concluded with a graduation ceremony attended by representatives of the Ministry of Administrative Development, including Mr. Mohammad Azbeidi, representing H.E. Minister of Administrative Development Mr. Hassan Al-Sakkaf.

During the ceremony, Mr. Mohammad Daaboul, Chairman of SYCAB; Dr. Wissam Alhusaini, the program’s lead trainer; and Mr. Hassan Daaboul were recognized for their contributions and efforts in making the initiative a success.

Beyond the immediate training experience, the initiative sought to establish a foundation for a specialized government training team capable of transferring knowledge and developing the professional capabilities of public-sector employees.

According to the program’s reported outcomes, the trained participants subsequently delivered training to more than 700 government officials, extending the initiative’s reach and multiplying its impact across government institutions.

This was more than a training program. It was a step toward building lasting training capacity, empowering government professionals, and fostering a culture of excellence across Syria’s public institutions.