Syria: Enabling through digital channels

Summary

The Syrian population has suffered and continues to suffer from the most tragic humanitarian crisis of our time.  In the past seven years, Syria experienced an internal civil war, which has left almost half of the population either internally displaced or with refugee status in neighbouring countries. A regular and seasonally driven humanitarian assistance has managed to halt the rapid deterioration of the socio-economic vulnerability faced by refugees and IDPS. Yet, very little has been done on the economic empowerment of IDPs. 

In this difficult context, there is an urgent need for initiatives that can support IDPs in improving their economic resilience by equipping them with the necessary skills and market access to achieve long-term sustainable economic activity. The proposed project aims to reinforce basic capabilities in design and create market linkages for producers of artisanal products, handicrafts and traditional Syrian goods, to international markets. 

This project addresses issues related to understanding market preferences for typical goods produced in Syria: how to improve designs and propose attractive pricing.  Outputs include an inventory of the production of these goods in Syria, market positioning recommendations for selected typical products, training and advisory on quality and value improvements, and market connections to international buyers.