The Central Bank of Syria has ordered a freeze on the bank accounts of Tarif Al-Akhras, one of the country’s most powerful businessmen and a relative of Asma Al-Assad, as well as on those of several other prominent businessmen, a move that seems to confirm the government’s increasing pressures on the business community.

Syria's 2020 budget is forecast at SYP 4 trillion, according to a preliminary draft, although only a fraction of that money is likely to be spent.

The minister of petroleum has provided a new update on the oil, gas and mining sectors.

The government is subsidizing loans granted by Syrian banks to manufacturers in a bid to promote local production and reduce imports.