About Us

Canadian Syrian Board

From Syrian Roots and Canadian Strength, we rebuild tomorrow.

About Us

Who We Are

The Canadian Syrian Board (CSB) is a non-governmental, non-profit forum established to serve as an inclusive platform for entrepreneurs and experts within the Syrian community in Canada. It functions as a business network capable of playing an active role in connecting investors between Canada and Syria, while enriching bilateral relations on economic, social, and cultural levels.

The Board seeks to build bridges of cooperation and facilitate the exchange of expertise and knowledge to serve mutual interests and promote sustainable development opportunities in both nations.

Furthermore, the Board serves as a unifying space that fosters a sense of Syrian identity and belonging. It enables community members to participate effectively in economic, social, and cultural projects, contributing to the support of Canadian society while maintaining deep-rooted ties with the motherland.

Vision & Mission

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Our Vision

Towards a unified and prosperous Syria, where its people — both at home and abroad — contribute to its reconstruction and development; a nation that maintains balanced and integrated relations with its neighbors and the world, serving as a model for stability, revival, and sustainable development.

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Our Message

We work to unite the Syrian community in Canada within a cohesive framework, channeling their energies and expertise toward economic, social, and cultural projects and initiatives. These efforts aim to enhance the community's standing in Canada while simultaneously supporting the development journey of our homeland, Syria.

Objectives

Six strategic objectives guiding the Board's work

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Promoting cooperation & exchange

Strengthening friendly relations and trade, cultural and social exchange between the Canadian and Syrian communities.

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Stimulating trade

Providing the necessary information and data to businesspeople and investors in both countries to facilitate and develop business activity.

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Encouraging investment

Providing advice and information to both Syrian and Canadian investors, creating an environment that encourages long-term projects.

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Organizing promotional events

Organizing economic forums that enhance trade, communication, and investment between Canada and Syria.

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Overcoming obstacles

Identifying obstacles facing business owners and providing the solutions needed to overcome them and ensure the continuity of projects.

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Consulting services

Supporting investment projects in both countries by providing technical and consultancy services to navigate and resolve challenges.

Strategic Pillars

✓Unifying Syrian efforts within Canada and abroad under a single umbrella.
✓Directing talents and expertise toward development projects with tangible impact.
✓Connecting Syrian investors and experts in Canada with opportunities in Syria.
✓Ensuring communication between the Syrian community in Canada and official institutions in Syria.
✓Fostering national belonging beyond political or ideological divisions.

Core Activities

✓Organizing and exchanging trade missions between the two countries to strengthen economic ties.
✓Hosting conferences and promotional events that bring together business leaders and investors.
✓Launching strategic partnerships with the Syrian Investment Agency (SIA) and the Syrian Higher Business Council.
✓Participating in community and cultural activities that strengthen Syrian community bonds and support integration into Canadian society.

Board of Directors

Leadership team driving the Board's mission

Dr. Salman Karnazi

Chairman of the Board

Immigration services expert in business development, client relations, and project management.

Eng. Nawras Tayfour

Vice Chairman

Civil Engineer & MBA; real estate development and franchising, with interests in Syria's reconstruction.

Mr. Amin Al-Hamad

Board Member — Finance

Commerce MBA managing import & wholesale distribution across the Gulf, China, Syria, and Canada since 1994.

Mr. Anas Hijazi

Finance Manager

Business administration graduate and international taxation advisor at a major North American firm.

Mr. Baraa Fattal

Investment Affairs Manager

Corporate accounting & investment professional at Sprucegrove Investment Management, Toronto.

Eng. Noor Al-Satouf

Memberships Manager

Software engineer specializing in information management, data analysis, and humanitarian programs.

Mr. Majdi Nawfal

Members Officer

AI & digital-transformation entrepreneur, founder of Aidvisor AI Solutions Inc.

Eng. Muhannad Maqsousa

Damascus Office Manager

Digital transformation & e-government specialist; designed payment systems for global central banks.

Eng. Amr Barghali

Director of Partnerships & Community Engagement

Aeronautical engineer with 20+ years advising Emirates, Air Canada, and Bombardier.

Mr. Wasim Turjman

Public Relations Manager

Aviation logistics & ground-operations manager; member of the Canadian Society of Customs Brokers.

Mr. Adel Al-Hashemi

Executive Assistant

Psychology graduate with 10+ years in internal security, crisis management, and risk strategy.

Eng. Tamim Al-Khaimi

IT Officer

Solutions engineer with 20+ years building digital solutions for the Canadian government sector.

Mr. Raief Hazouri

Media Officer & Spokesperson

General-contracting & interior-design founder; recognized in Syria's “1000 Capabilities” 2025.

Partnerships

Official partnerships born from the April 2025 economic mission to Damascus

Strategic Partnership

Syrian Investment Agency (SIA)

A strategic partnership to drive the wheel of economic development.

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Official Accreditation

Syrian Businessmen & Businesswomen Association

Official accreditation to strengthen and unify private-sector efforts.

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Achievements

A record of engagement across Syria, Canada, and the world

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Palace Visit in Damascus
April 2025
A special visit to the Palace with productive meetings reviewing investment opportunities for the upcoming phase and exploring joint economic cooperation. The Syrian-Canadian delegation affirmed its commitment to investing across sectors to support economic development and long-term partnerships.
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Ministerial Meetings in Damascus
2025
Meetings with the Minister of Communications & IT (Eng. Abdel Salam Heikal) on digital cooperation and technological infrastructure, and with the Minister of Higher Education & Scientific Research (Dr. Marwan Al-Halabi) on academic cooperation, scientific research, and university innovation.
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Field Visits to the Governorates
2025
Homs (Gov. Abdul Rahman Al-Ama): investment, education, AI, and healthcare. Hama (Gov. Abdul Rahman Al-Sahyan): reconstruction and local-economy revival. Aleppo (Deputy Gov. Fawaz Hilal): expatriate contributions to reconstruction. Damascus: participation in the SYNC'25 Conference on AI, entrepreneurship, and women's empowerment.
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Hassia Industrial City Tour, Homs
2025
At the invitation of the Syrian Investment Authority, the delegation toured Hassia Industrial City — exploring available industrial opportunities, identifying areas for future partnerships, and emphasizing that opportunities inside the country are open to the diaspora.
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Civil Aviation Sector Engagement
2025
Montreal: meeting with the Head of the Civil Aviation Authority on airport development and air cargo. Aleppo: meeting with the University of Aleppo on developing the Aeronautical Engineering department. Damascus: meetings with the Director of Syrian Aviation and the Director of Damascus International Airport.
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On the International Stage
2025
New York: meeting with President Ahmad Al-Sharaa and Foreign Minister Asaad Al-Shaibani during a historic UN visit, plus a working dinner with the U.S.–Syria Business Council (USSYBC). Washington, D.C.: meeting with the Syrian community ahead of a White House visit. Toronto: meetings with UOSSM, the Mulham Volunteering Team, and the Syrian Canadian & American Forum.
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Memorandum of Understanding Signed
2025
Signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Syrian Businessmen & Businesswomen Association, alongside expanded collaboration with Canadian trade commissioners in Beirut and Cairo and active Syrian organizations in Canada.