Infrastructure Syria 2009 meets GTZ's goals, says GTZ representative

"We are hoping to participate, through our activities and expertise, in the process of rehabilitation infrastructure and to take the private sector into partnership as regards development. Of course, this will be done within the available potentials we possess especially that the most divisions of the exhibition and conference meet the GTZ's goals. We are pleased to produce our successful experiences in this field," Menshawy asserted.

Menshawy pointed out that the GTZ is a governmental organization, founded in 1975 in Germany. Its main task is to plan and execute technical cooperation's projects funded by Germany along with the partner countries. The GTZ is working as an advisor to the Federal government to achieve the goals of development. It is operating in 120 nations and employing 10000 German experts including 1000 working at the headquarters at the suburbs of Frankfurt and 1500 experts distributed in other countries plus 9000 local experts.

Asked about the domains of Syrian-German cooperation, Menshawy said, "Actually, the most activities in the past focused on irrigation, agriculture and combatting Desertification. At the threshold of 2003, the type of the Syrian-German cooperation projects began to take a new shape. In 2008, when the Syrian government took a decision to transform to the market economy .... the Syrian government asked its German counterpart to assist in carrying out a part or some of the development programs already existed in the state's strategy according to the five-tenth development plan. So cooperation has been consolidated in a number of sectors in accordance with the Syrian government's priorities such as: drinking water supply and sewerage where Dr. Menshawy made it clear that there is a consultative team who is already working along with the Housing Ministry on potable and sewerage in Damascus Countryside and Aleppo .The execution of these projects required millions to be invested in infrastructure. Regarding the economic reform's sector, we have cooperated with Syrian public sides such as: the State Planning Commission, Ministry of Trade and Economy, Ministry of Labour and Social Affaires, deputy premier's bureau and recently the Central Bank. Moreover, the GTZ (upon request) produces consultative services to set out the legal frame of management and the process of reform. In the sustainable urban development's sector, the agency also provides the Syrian government with the consultative topics such as putting solutions to the illegal settlement areas in Aleppo, Damascus, Homs and other cities. And there is also cooperation in the field of renewable energies."

Regarding infrastructure in Syria, Menshawy answered: "The development's goals can not be achieved unless there is a good infrastructure that includes all sectors: electricity, sewerage, oil & gas, water, roads, airports and telecommunications. Undoubtedly, the Syrian government is seriously working on achieving sustainable development. Hence, the private sector has a vital role in development as it creates thousands of job opportunities."