The Syrian economy : an assessment of its macreoeconomic and financial development, 1974-1999

Abstract EN

The paper assesses the performance of the Syrian macroeconomy over the 1974-1999 period.

It first looks at the retain policies that were applied to the economy, and then studies the patterns of Syria's economic growth, "inflation, credK expansion, production structure and international trade, tt also provides an empirical evaluation of Syria's recent attempt at financial liberalization using the model of "financial repression".

The main conclusion is that Syria's reform agenda is immense, and should involve teed sector reforms in conjunction wNh tie financial reforms being contemplated at present, if the economy were to take full advantage of its diversified economic base and growth potential.