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The weak contribution of real sectors such as agriculture and industry in the economic growth between 2001 and 2010. Whereas, wholesale and retail trade and government services were the main drivers of growth.  

Syria achieved a relatively high economic growth rate with an average of 4.45% between 2001 and 2010. The main source of economic growth is capital accumulation, whereas, labor and human capital have a relatively weak contribution.  

The structural economic, social, and institutional distortions led for Syria to relative decrease in GDP per capita and Human Development Index comparing to a number of Arab countries in addition to Turkey and Malaysia. This has reflected in a frustration among Syrians and particularly among youth.  

A decrease in oil exports and an increase of non-oil exports accompanied with a huge increase in imports have led to a surge in trade balance deficit, whereas the services balance had a surplus due to the flourishing tourism sector.  

A relatively low unemployment rate (8%) hiding a dramatic decrease in labor force participation rates as the Syrian economy created only 400 thousand job opportunities during the last decade that reduced LFP rate from 47% in 2001 to 39% in 2010 which reflected the fact that economic growth in Syria ...