World Finance Syria Economic Reform Awards 2009

LONDON, December 22 - It has been a productive and exciting year for Syria. The country has in
the past faced difficulties due to its weak administrative structure,
together with US sanctions, which have had an affect on investment and
development opportunities. This is changing. The challenges the country faces
include shifting from an oil-exporting economy towards a net oil importer;
managing the transition from a socialist planned economy towards a
liberalised social market economy; and enhancing human development through
targeted interventions which ensure a more equitable distribution of wealth
and equal economic opportunities for wealth creation across all segments of
Syrian society. Several companies are meeting these challenges head on and it
is World Finance's pleasure to recognise those forwarding the agenda. This
year World Finance held the Syria Economic Reform Awards. Congratulations to
those who made the grade.

    Best Telecoms Company
    Syriatel Mobile Telecom

    Best Financial Brokerage Firm
    Bemo Saudi Fransi Finance

    Best Tourism Development Company
    The Wahoud Group

    Best Construction & Property Development Company
    Fouad Takla Co.

    Best Gas Industry Contracting Company
    Lead Contracting & Trading

    Best SME Business Promotion Group
    Syrian Enterprise & Business Centre

    Best Pharmaceuticals Company
    National Company for Pharmaceutical Industry (NCPI)

    Best Conventional Private Bank
    Bank Syria & Overseas

    Best Money Exchange Company
    Al Fuad Exchange

    Best Oilfield Services Company
    The Nasco Group

    Best Economic Development Company
    Khwanda Group

    Best Engineering & Utilities Equipment Supplier
    Hamscho International Group

    Best Plastic Industrial Products Manufacturer
    Al-Matin Group

    Best Shipping Company
    Al-Sham Shipping

    Major Foreign Investor
    Shell Syria Petroleum Development BV

    Best Private Airline
    Cham Wings Airline

    Best Food Processing Company
    National Sugar Company

    Best Freight Services Provider
    Shamout Group of Companies

    Best Importer of Construction & Building Materials
    Zein Brothers

    Best Container Terminal Manager
    Tartous International Container Terminal

    Best Luxury Hotel Property
    The Four Seasons, Damascus

    Best Conventional Private Insurance Company
    Syrian-Kuwaiti Insurance Company

    Award for Pioneering Key Economic Projects in Support of Syria
    MAS Economic Group

    Visionary leadership and contribution to the Syrian economy
    Mr Haytham Joud, Souria Holding

    Lifetime Achievement Award for Promoting Syrian Commerce
    Ratab Shallah

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For further media information contact: World Finance, Alexander Redcliffe, Editor, +44-(0)20-7014-0370, alexander at worldfinance.com