Damascus Hosts “Naqel” Workshop on Regulating App-Based Transport
The capital, Damascus, hosted the “Naqel” workshop on Tuesday to discuss the regulation of transport services provided through digital applications. The event was organized by the Junior Chamber International (JCI) in Damascus, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and took place at the Golden Mazzeh Hotel.
The workshop featured the attendance of key officials, including the Minister of Transport, Yareub Badr, and the Minister of Communications and Technology, Abdulsalam Haykal. The initiative aims to analyze the current landscape of app-based transport services in Syria and identify the challenges and obstacles hindering this growing sector. Furthermore, the workshop seeks to develop practical, organized solutions that will foster the sector’s growth while ensuring that services meet user needs safely and efficiently, in alignment with the expectations of relevant authorities.
In his opening remarks, Minister of Transport Yareub Badr emphasized that the ministry has made the development of a legal and regulatory framework for smart transport services a top priority. Badr stated that this strategic direction is intended to keep pace with technological advancements in the field while placing maximum importance on strengthening road safety standards and reducing traffic accidents. He noted that the optimal investment in modern technologies and data analysis contributes directly to improving the efficiency of services provided to citizens, ultimately achieving more sustainable and secure mobility.
Minister of Communications and Technology Abdulsalam Haykal highlighted that the digital transformation of the transport sector goes beyond merely launching new applications. He explained that it involves a broader effort to digitally re-engineer the sector and integrate services across various relevant government institutions. Haykal pointed out that the transport sector is a fundamental pillar of citizens’ daily lives, which necessitates the creation of digital solutions driven by user needs and grounded in practical experience.
Concluding his address, the Minister of Communications stressed the importance of fostering integration between government institutions on one side, and entrepreneurs and startups on the other. He stated that this synergy is essential to ensure the development of efficient digital services capable of responding to the rapid changes in the industry, thereby driving the digital development agenda nationwide.
