The Truth About Operating In Syria : The opportunities and challenges companies face upon entering and operating in the emerging market of Syria

Abstract: Emerging markets are playing a significant role in the ongoing process of economical and political globalisation. Due to the fall of international trade and investment barriers, a wider range of opportunities has risen for companies of the developed countries seeking to further enhance their international business potentials. Nonetheless, many hurdles still facing the integration process due to the existing political and cultural polarity, between emerging markets and their potential business partners in the developed economies are needed to be overcome. The aim of this thesis is to provide general guidelines for companies considering future business relations involving investments and trade within the emerging market of Syria. By conducting a research based on interviews with managers of multinational enterprises (MNE’S) operating in Syria, experts on foreign companies’ trade with the Middle East and gathering of relevant information within the field of internationalisation of firms, we seek to obtain a deeper and greater knowledge and understanding of the various opportunities and challenges that companies established in Syria are facing.