The gradual liberalisation of Syria's centrally planned economy is expected to continue under the leadership of the deputy prime minister for economic affairs, Abdullah al-Dardari. However, the economic debate remains highly charged. There are influential officials who oppose this process, and these conflicting interests will inhibit policy formulation and implementation. Recent press reports have highlighted concerns within the Baath party about the negative impact of reform on poverty. There are also powerful members of the business elite who benefit from the status quo and might resist changes that would threaten these advantages.

The overriding policy challenge will be to offset the impact of the long-term trend of declining oil production by developing other sectors of the economy, particularly those that can boost export earnings in the medium term. This will require making established state-owned and family businesses more dynamic and encouraging entrepreneurship and investment. Moves intended to increase domestic and foreign investment include offering infrastructure investment opportunities to private investors, expanding the Damascus Securities Exchange, relaxing foreign-currency restrictions and boosting bank lending. The introduction of Treasury bills in December 2010 is an indication that financial reforms are moving forward, albeit slowly. Plans to introduce a public-private partnership law to aid financing of investment projects have been announced. There are also plans to cut government subsidies, which are burdensome and inefficient, particularly fuel subsidies.