Knauf and Syrian government conclude agreement on cooperation

The Knauf Group, an international building materials manufacturer based in Iphofen, Germany, and the Government of the Syrian Arab Republic signed a Memorandum of Understanding on future cooperation. The signing by the Syrian Energy Minister Mohammed al-Baschir and Jörg Kampmeyer, General Partner and Chairman of the Management Board of the Knauf Group, took place at the Federal Foreign Office in the presence of Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, Federal Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul and Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Katherina Reiche.

With this step, Knauf is reaffirming its willingness to responsibly contribute to the reconstruction of Syria in the long term – in particular to the revival of the local construction industry and the qualification of Syrian skilled workers.

"In view of the extensive destruction, the reconstruction of Syria is the most urgent task. Knauf wants to make a substantial contribution to this – as a long-term partner together with the German and the new Syrian government. We want to strengthen industrial structures, create jobs and enable skills development for workers in Syria. Based on decades of experience in the Middle East, we want to unlock new opportunities for local people," explained Jörg Kampmeyer on the occasion of the signing.

Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Katherina Reiche praised Knauf's contribution to the reconstruction of the civil war-torn country: "It is a strong signal that companies from the building materials industry are taking concrete steps to get involved in Syria. In this way, the reconstruction of the country can succeed and the foundation for further economic commitment can be laid."

Subject to feasibility, Knauf intends to make significant investments in local production capacities to offer high-quality construction products "Made in Syria for Syria". A prerequisite for early market entry is secure, sustainable access to local resources, which is to be ensured in close cooperation with the Syrian partners. Equally important is a further stabilisation of the economic and political framework conditions – for example, the international payment transactions with Syria.

Knauf is also planning to set up several training centres as well as upskilling programmes for craftspeople, architects, students and specialists in production and mining. This is intended to specifically promote the modernisation of the Syrian construction industry.