Barbara Walters chats with Forward Syria
Swaying between art and seduction
Discussing monetary policy with the man in charge
Where the earth screams in horror
08/03/2010 - Issue 42
Ali Khwanda
Thirty-one years old and currently holding the position of Economic Advisor for Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs, Abdullah Dardari, while additionally running with his brothers the Khwanda Investment Group; Ali Khwanda shares with Forward his experiences and the road which led him to his current role.
Can you tell us about your background?
I was born in London in 1979, and I spent ten years in London, ten in Damascus and ten in California.
I have a bachelor’s degree in Economic Development and a minor in philosophy from Berkeley, and got my JD and MBA from the University of San Franscisco's law school in 2007, after which I came back to Syria to work with the family business.
How did you find Syria upon your return?
Every time I leave the country and come back I feel and see the difference, even through the little things; like five years ago we didn’t have any cafes or e-commerce businesses.
The country is thirsty for everything, it just needs people to start taking initiatives to develop and invest in the country. You’re not entering a market that’s saturated and there is virtually no competition.
The best way I can describe what is going on in Syria right now is like an elevator door opening on the first floor. We’re still on the ground floor, and there’s a chance for people to get on before it starts ascending, and that is an opportunity that people should take advantage of.
What do you think are the main obstacles in the implementation of new projects?
People have a lot of nice ideas, but a lot of people lack the mechanisms of implementing that. I studied for ten years to understand the ideas and know how to implement them.
Other than that, people have not satisfied many of their basic needs like a job and a house, when they are given that then they could start developing; I feel really lucky for being provided with those.
What are your project's main goals?
Our family business’ fundamental goal is focusing on the economic development of Syria; each project should include the developmental aspect. We try to provide jobs for the local population and move the country forward, by investing in transportation, banking and investment.
We also support a lot of the cultural events and arts, as well as support The Syria Trust for Development. Sponsoring the country culturally is more effective than sponsoring it economically, where through culture you create and foster a generation that will not repeat the mistakes of the old one.
What do you consider your greatest achievement in Syria to be?
I haven’t had any real achievements yet, but I think I’m being prepared for that. I’ve only been back for three years, so right now I’m getting myself into my job, to establish myself in my career first.
What do you advise expats planning on returning and investing in Syria?
Come back with a plan, don’t come back thinking that things will be given to you on a plate. No one will do it for you, you have to do it yourself. And most important is staying positive because it effects how people see you and how you react in tough environments.
