Hesya Industrial Zone: A model of things to come

Industrial cities are often regarded as the backbone of any country’s economy. They have become indispensable at attracting investments, upgrading industries, and preserving the environment. Trials with industrial cities have been very successful in certain Arab countries, like Egypt. Although industrial cities are fairly new to Syria, they are bound to have a remarkable place on the Syrian industrial map. Al-though young, they have already contributed to growth rate, which can be noted as the volume of investment in industrial zone-projects has reached 150 billion SP, or approximately $3 billion USD.

The Syrian economy has taken giant steps on many levels, aimed at meeting the requirements of the EU Association Agreement. These reforms also aim at obtaining full access to the Greater Arab Free Trade Organization (GAFTA). In order to create proper infrastructure for attracting capital, in-creasing investment, and creating jobs, Syria has legalized industrial cities in Aleppo, Homs, and the countryside of Damascus. Of all the industrial zones that have emerged, the one in Hesya clearly stands out as a pioneer, with the clearest success story. With its special geo-graphic location, on the crossroads of several Arab capitals (Baghdad, Amman and Beirut) the Hesya Industrial Zone (HIZ) boasts incredibly low land costs, and to-date, no less than 400 construction units.

Several companies have al-ready started operating at HIZ like the Humble Paint, Adwan Chemical Factory, and Dawoud & Attar Poultry. Additionally there are large, medium, and small production companies in different fields like pre-serves, veterinary medicines, concrete, marble, and blocks industries. Still under construction are two train stations, part of the zone’s infrastructure, one for the transfer of goods and another for passengers. There is also a port designed to accommodate containers of all sizes, with custom measures processed on-location.

In the very near future, HIZ is expected to meet all vocational, educational, cultural, social and entertainment services, accommodating an impressive 70,000 people on an area of 25,500 hectares. There is a high chance that expansion is underway, with an additional 12,500 to accommodate 350,000. The city’s board of directors were given a carte blanche to facilitate and encourage licensing at HIZ. A license can be obtained in only one hour, and real estate cost currently stands at 900 SP/ square meter. Investors can refund one third of the price of the purchased land. The other two thirds are refunded on annual installations for five and seven years. Seven tax exemption privileges are ensured, as part of the economic reform process in Syria.