BUILDEX 2010: The 16th International Exhibition for Construction (BUILDEX 2010) was held from May 12-16 at Damascus Fairground. Apart from officials and regular visitors, BUILDEX was attended by more than 240,000 visitors, of which a quarter was foreign.


EU: May 25 marked the arrival of the European Parliament’s delegation for advancing relations with Mashreq countries. The delegation headed by Mario David met with President Bashar al-Assad and top Syrian officials


European Film Festival: For a second year in a row, Syrian film fans enjoyed European films during 9 days of showings in one of Damascus' oldest cinemas, al-Kindi. From May 9-18, 14 European embassies and cultural centers showed 16 films, ranging from light romantic comedies to documentary films.


Syria-France: SESAME Syrie officially launched its operations on May 15, under the patronage of Anne Marie Idrak, the French Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, and Minister of Economy Lamia Assi. SESAME Syrie was established in July 2008 by a number of reputable business leaders with the support of Paris Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCIP), with the primary objective to offer business workshops and professional training programs for the Syrian business sector.


Syria Trust for Development: “Damascene Rose Harvest Day” kicked off late May in al-Marah village, a project launched by the Syria Trust for Development (STD), and financed by the Global Environment Facility's Small Grants Program and undertaken by the Fund for Integrated Rural Development in Syria (FIRDOS) and the STD research department.


Samsung: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. announced late April revenues of $31.2 billion on a consolidated basis for the first quarter ending on March 31, which makes for a 21 percent increase year-on-year. For the quarter, the company posted a net profit of $3.5 billion. Consolidated operating profit for the quarter was a record $3.9 billion. Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., has also unveiled its new range of premium air conditioners and an ionizer device in Middle East and North Africa region, which feature cutting edge Virus Doctor air filtration technology.

• Sam Dalla: Was the Chinese model that good?
• Assad appoints a 29-member Constitutional Committee, for a new constitution by next February

• Assad appoints a 29-member Constitutional Committee, for a new constitution by next February
• Sam Dalla: Was the Chinese model that good?

• Assad appoints a 29-member Constitutional Committee, for a new constitution by next February
• Sam Dalla: Was the Chinese model that good?

• Assad appoints a 29-member Constitutional Committee, for a new constitution by next February
• Sam Dalla: Was the Chinese model that good?