The Norwegian Refugee Council’s assessment indicates that Syrian markets are ill-equipped for new workers, struggling with low production and high living costs. With purchasing power at historic lows, families are finding it difficult to afford essentials, exacerbated by aid cuts. As the ninth Brussels Conference approaches, calls for increased international support for displaced individuals and investments in small businesses are critical for recovery.
According to a recent market assessment by the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC), local markets in Syria are not adequately equipped to embrace new workers, particularly in light of a potential mass return of displaced individuals. The assessment considered large and medium-sized enterprises across Rural Damascus, Daraa, Aleppo, Homs, and Hama, revealing a notable decrease in production and trade activities since the previous government’s fall. This level of activity persists despite recent modifications in trade policies aimed at enhancing commercial transactions throughout the country.
Federico Jachetti, the NRC’s Syria Country Office Director, acknowledged improvements in pricing; however, he highlighted ongoing issues: “Despite the relative improvement in prices over recent months, Syrian markets are suffering from a liquidity crisis and purchasing power that has reached rock-bottom levels.” Jachetti noted that average Syrian households continue battling to meet their daily needs, emphasizing the critical need for investments to bolster small businesses and generate job opportunities, especially in infrastructure repair projects.
In preparation for Ramadan, NRC conducted interviews with a diverse group of individuals regarding their financial situations. Each participant estimated their monthly expenditure on food, rent, and utilities at about 3 million Syrian pounds, or roughly 300 US dollars per family. This estimate was influenced by the rampant fluctuations in exchange rates and market volatility. Mohammed, an electrician trained and supported by NRC, expressed the strain on consumers and businesses alike: “If you sold 10 light bulbs and went back to the market to replenish, you would only get three or four pieces for the same price.”
The effects of aid cuts have severely impacted families, particularly for those who have returned from displacement or those still residing in camps. While prices of most food staples have decreased in the last few months, bread prices have surged eightfold compared to the previous year, following the partial removal of government subsidies, according to UN reports. Mona, a camp resident in Idlib, lamented, “The only way for us to survive is to rely on aid from people.”
As an upcoming donor meeting approaches at the ninth Brussels Conference on March 17, NRC is advocating for the international community to enhance support for both displaced Syrians and those wishing to return home. Jachetti concluded, “There is a need for both urgent relief and support, to ensure the long-term self-reliance of Syrians who are keen to reclaim their futures.”
The NRC continues to assist displaced Syrians through various programs such as water delivery, shelter, education, and legal support. Furthermore, they focus on revitalizing vital civil infrastructure in urban areas and rural locales, while providing vocational training and small business grants to empower Syrians to launch their own enterprises.
In summary, the NRC’s market assessment reveals significant challenges within Syrian markets, including an inability to absorb new labor, persistent liquidity crises, and a struggle for families to afford basic necessities. These issues are compounded by aid cutbacks affecting displaced populations. As international discussions progress, urgent and sustained assistance is essential for ensuring both immediate relief and long-term recovery in Syria.
Original Source: www.nrc.no
