SCER Proposes Digital Currency Revolution to Tackle Syria’s Economic Crisis

The Syrian Center for Economic Research (SCER) has put forth a plan for the transitional government to legalize Bitcoin and digitize the Syrian pound in a daring attempt to revive the war-torn economy. By establishing the groundwork for a strong digital economy, this progressive project aims to tackle the serious economic issues, such as hyperinflation and currency devaluation.

The SCER’s proposal introduces an innovative regulatory framework that could change Syria’s economic landscape. The strategy centers on legalizing Bitcoin and other digital assets for trading and mining, in alignment with both national and international regulations. A key aspect of the proposal is the digitization of the Syrian pound, which would be minted on a blockchain and backed by liquid assets, such as gold. The goal is to create a stable digital currency overseen by the central bank, offering transparency and security for transactions.

The project aims to solve persistent problems including inflation, currency volatility, and a dearth of foreign investment by implementing blockchain technology. Additionally, it promises to boost e-commerce, facilitate cross-border transfers, and benefit the financial ecosystem as a whole.

Additionally, the plan seeks to empower Syrian businesspeople by giving them more access to international opportunities and enabling them to function in a free-market context. The plan lays the groundwork for a more inventive and inclusive economy by highlighting the significance of private property rights and digital asset self-custody.

Challenges and Geopolitical Obstacles

Despite the promise, the proposal faces numerous challenges. Technological infrastructure in Syria remains underdeveloped, and there is limited public awareness about digital currencies. Additionally, geopolitical factors and the ongoing civil unrest continue to pose significant hurdles.

The SCER acknowledged that the transitional government has not yet considered the proposal, citing more immediate issues in need of attention. The initiative clarified, “We also emphasise that this is NOT meant to circumvent international sanctions. We believe that sanctions should be lifted URGENTLY through legal and political processes in accordance with international law.”

This proposal emerges as Syria’s new Foreign Minister, Asaad Hassan al-Shibani, advocates for the urgent lifting of international sanctions. These sanctions were initially imposed to pressure the Assad regime during its crackdown on protests in 2011. Al-Shibani, now leading the interim administration, argues that the sanctions are no longer relevant and only hinder Syria’s recovery efforts. With the regime dismantled and thousands of political prisoners released, he urges the global community to reconsider the measures, which continue to affect everyday Syrians.