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The social
economy in Syrian Kurdistan will snowball
26.1.2014
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New Syrian currency notes are seen on display at the
central bank in Damascus July 27, 2010. Photo: Reuters
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January 26, 2014
DERIK, Syrian Kurdistan,— One of the most
important aspects of the revolutionary developments
in Syrian Kurdistan (Rojava) is the economy.
In Rojava, where the people have declared an
autonomous administration, the social economy, or,
in other words, the people's own economy, is
fundamental.
Article 42 of the Social Agreement which is
characterised as the constitution of the autonomous
administration, states: "the economic system shall
be established on the basis of the maintenance of
social development, justice and production and shall
rely on scientific-technological possibilities.
The development of production and the aim of
economic activity is to meet human needs and
establish an honourable life. Democratic Autonomous
Administrations accept a joint economy and
legitimate competition based on the tenet of
'everyone will earn according to their labour',www.Ekurd.net
prohibits stockpiling and shall establish social
justice. The ownership of the national means of
production shall be established, the rights of
citizens, workers and the environment shall be
protected and national sovereignty consolidated."
A new economic
understanding with the social economy model
The 'Institute for Economic Development' which has
been set up in Rojava, aims to ground a new economic
understanding through its projects and activities.
Xelîl Kobanê, a member of the Institute's
executive, told ANF the institute had been set up 7
months ago with the purpose of establishing an
independent economy.
The institute's head office is in Derîk (Malikiya),
and has opened branches in Qamişlo, Girkê Legê,
Dirbesiye (Ghassaniya), Tirbespiye, Çilaxa, Amûde (Adaniya),
Serêkaniye (Ras al-Ayn), Afrîn (Arruba) and its
districts.
Xelîl Kobanê said the institute carried out
activities under six main headings, "Trade, service,
construction, agriculture, industry and fuel",
providing information about these activities.
Local services are the
business of the institute
Kobanê said the institute issues licenses to those
who wish to carry on trade and has authority in the
regulation of imports and exports, and provides
local services such as the construction of pavements
and the provision of water supplies.
"Construction is also in the form of companies. From
housing to co-operatives," said Kobanê, describing
the institute's functions and activities in the
agricultural sector thus: "We are aiming to increase
production, meet the food needs of the people and
ensure the fair distribution of produce. We
categorise our agricultural work taking into
consideration the geographical situation of our
regions. We are also developing projects designed to
improve production in both agriculture and livestock
production."
Factories being
re-established
Xelîl Kobanê added that they had organised the
production and distribution of fuel and that on the
industrial front they were encouraging the opening
of factories to facilitate the development of local
industry rather than relying on imports.
Xelil Kobanê continued: "We will reopen the tomato
and pepper sauce factories and the bean and okra
canning plants that are currently closed. In
connection with this we will concentrate on the
cultivation of beans, tomatoes and peppers. There is
cattle breeding and related food products. A poultry
farm has been opened in Kobanê. Due to the embargo
on Rojava there are some problems regarding
purchasing which we are endeavouring to overcome."
Xelil Kobanê added that they had established
separate projects for women, and that the aim was
for women to set up their own economy in these
sectors.
Housing, agriculture,
co-operatives…
The official of the Institute of Economy listed the
projects that have recently been implemented and
their short term goals thus:
"Are current projects are in housing. There are also
projects underway to develop greenhouses for
agriculture. These began a few days ago in the Girkê
Lege area. We are also repairing roads. We have
completed the martyrs' memorial in Derîk and several
village roads. Some special projects for the Kobanê
area are also on the agenda, but as the roads are
closed we cannot communicate sufficiently. We will
also establish a co-operative in the Dêrik area. We
are particularly keen to reduce the price of
foodstuffs. At present there is an embargo on Afrîn
and Kobanê. Our aim is to develop the economy of
that region."
More than 500 people have
jobs
Xelil Kobanê said they wished to create new work
sectors and employment opportunities, adding that
more than 500 people have been provided with jobs in
the Cizîre canton.
"If the projects we have planned are implemented
then revolutionary results will be obtained", said
Xelil Kobanê, adding that they would not permit
bribery and corruption and that the regulatory
mechanism was in the hands of the people.
The projects brought by the people will return to
them in the form of income
Xelil Kobanê concluded by saying: "The independent
economy we wish to establish will grow like a
snowball with the passing days. The salaries of
those working on the projects will come from within
that project.
That is, the projects brought by the people will
return to them in the shape of income. We are trying
to set up people's economies within the framework of
Democratic Autonomy as explained by the leadership."
By Nergis Botan - Derik, ANF
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