Damascus International Fair Examines Freelancing in the Digital Age
During the eighth day of the 63rd Damascus International Fair, a panel discussion titled “The Reality of Freelancing in Light of Digital Transformation and the Digital Economy” explored the evolving landscape of independent professional work. The session, held at the fairgrounds’ lecture hall, brought together experts from the Ministry of Culture and the Ministry of Economy and Foreign Trade to address the challenges and prospects facing those in digital professions.
Participants discussed how digital transformation is reshaping the concept of freelance work. Iman Shabib, director of the Digital Art Exhibition project at the Ministry of Culture, emphasized that the ministry is prioritizing support for professionals in fields such as graphic design, video editing, and digital art. Shabib stated that the ministry aims to transition these individual efforts into sustainable business projects and startups. She added that a new initiative is currently underway to provide training workshops across Damascus, Homs, and Aleppo.
Safwan Auf, director of the Digital Transformation and Digital Economy Directorate at the Ministry of Economy and Foreign Trade, highlighted the importance of keeping pace with the Fourth Industrial Revolution. He outlined the fundamental distinctions between digital transformation and the digital economy, noting that the ministry is developing an integrated system encompassing financial technology (fintech), e-commerce, and business automation. According to Auf, digital transformation serves as a foundational pillar for supporting Syrian products and expanding their reach to global markets through online marketing platforms.
Obada Tayyara, director of the Technology and Digital Transformation Directorate at the Ministry of Culture, noted that the seminar also addressed the technical and regulatory hurdles encountered by freelancers, particularly regarding electronic payment mechanisms. Furthermore, Tayyara announced the ministry’s plan to launch an awareness campaign titled “Towards a Safe Digital Culture.” The campaign aims to enhance the understanding of data protection, cybersecurity, and strategies to prevent electronic breaches, ensuring a stable and secure digital working environment for professionals.
The 63rd Damascus International Fair continues through September 4, featuring participation from approximately 1,000 entities representing 60 countries. The event underscores the significance of such gatherings in fostering the exchange of expertise and promoting a culture of digital transformation across various economic and service sectors in Syria.
