Update January 2000: Syria

1. Ministries and Governmental Organisations

1.1 The Ministry of Finance was one of the earliest public establishments to introduce IT in its daily work in the mid 70's. Various circumstances delayed full computerisation, although different departments slowly introduced networking and distributed database technologies in their work. During the past year the backbone for the ministry has been computerised and the various components are being brought together moving faster towards the information age.

1.2 The Social Security Establishment has also emerged as an important IS promoter by computerising its procedures for the first time, using networking and database technologies for a national system. This has resulted in better services for workers and employers by making available social security information all over the country and accelerating processes. A unique Social Insurance Number and computerised card are now produced automatically for all insured workers.

2. Universities, municipalities, NGO's and associations

2.1 The Federation of Syrian Chambers of Commerce (FSCC) has a growing role in coordinating efforts of all chambers of commerce located in major cities in Syria. FSCC is also promoting the use of ICT and particularly the development of a business database and the Internet by these chambers of commerce.

2.2 FSCC works closely with the Syrian European Business Centre (SEBC), which is a joint agency established with the European Commission to improve business practices in Syria and to promote Syrian-European joint ventures. The latter sponsored the production of an awareness brochure on e-Commerce mainly for decision-makers and business people in Syria.