On September 21–22, the Central Bank of Jordan, the Union of Arab Banks (UAB), the Association of Banks in Jordan and the Jordanian Businessmen Association convened the Arab Regional Conference on Supporting Development & Investment in Syria. Dr. Adel Al-Sharkas, Governor of the Central Bank of Jordan, presided.
More than 309 participants attended, including government officials and representatives from central banks, commercial banks, the World Bank and UNDP. Together, they explored how the region can help Syria reconnect with Arab and international financial networks.
Among the invited guests, New York-based EssentaTor Inc. presented its EssentaTor Arab Capital Strategic Liquidity Fund, or EAC Fund. UAB also gave the company an "Acknowledgment and Appreciation" for its contribution.
Howard Chang, EssentaTor's Chief Strategy Officer and a former United Nations diplomat, delivered the keynote. He aimed to turn reconstruction needs into investable structures.
First, the fund is exploring liquidity mechanisms with central banks, which would bridge long-term development assets and investors' short-term liquidity needs. Second, it seeks to ring-fence construction, market, counterparty and liquidity risks through transparent governance.
Third, the EAC Integrated Investment and Growth Framework would link capital with technology, industrial capacity and operating expertise. Consequently, projects could connect with suppliers, logistics, training and regional value chains.
Ultimately, the EAC Fund wants to unite banks, development institutions, investors and industrial enterprises. By doing so, it hopes to mobilize long-term capital, support employment and foster sustainable growth in Syria.
