Syrian Industry minister said that the industrial sector in his country has lost $2.2 billion since the war began 31 months ago.

Syrian Industry minister said that the industrial sector in his country has lost $2.2 billion since the war began 31 months ago.

In statements published by al-Watan newspaper, minister Kamaleddine Tohme said: “The losses in the industrial sector from the start of the Syrian crisis till October total 336 billion Syrian pounds ($2.2 billion).”

The private industrial sector has lost $1.5 billion, while public industry has lost $700 million, he said.

But he insisted that the figures did not reflect losses incurred in parts of the country held by foreign-backed militants fighting the Syrian government.

The crisis has destroyed the economy, causing soaring inflation and driving down the value of the Syrian pound.
According to the UN, more than half the Syrian population is now living in poverty.