Doha:QNB Group, through its subsidiary QNB Syria, has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Paymera for Electronic Payment Services LLC. The agreement aims to explore opportunities for advancing Syria’s digital payment infrastructure and enhancing its connectivity with international payment networks.

According to Qatar News Agency, the collaboration seeks to integrate Paymera’s domestic electronic payment infrastructure with QNB Group’s international acquiring capabilities. This integration is expected to foster a more connected, secure, and efficient payment ecosystem by linking local payment acceptance channels with global capabilities. The initiative aims to expand digital payment opportunities for merchants and consumers, contributing to the modernization of Syria’s financial sector.

Under the MoU, both parties will assess opportunities to support domestic card acceptance within Syria’s local payment ecosystem, while also facilitating international card acceptance through QNB’s acquiring platform. This strategy could enable merchants to cater to a broader customer base and offer consumers more choice and convenience in payment methods.

The collaboration builds on QNB Group’s efforts to advance digital payments in Syria. Notably, in August 2026, QNB Group and Mastercard completed Syria’s first international card payment transaction in over 15 years. This was followed by the introduction of locally issued Mastercard cards through QNB Syria in September, laying the groundwork for greater connectivity between Syria’s domestic banking infrastructure and international payment networks.

Adel Al Malki, Senior Executive Vice President of Group Retail Banking, emphasized the ambition to create a more connected and accessible payments ecosystem that supports Syria’s economic development. The collaboration with Paymera is viewed as an opportunity to further enhance international card acceptance and issuance capabilities.

Ahmad Kharboutli, CEO of Paymera, highlighted the importance of strengthening connections between domestic payment infrastructure and international networks to advance Syria’s digital economy. The partnership with QNB Group and QNB Syria aims to build on existing local capabilities, widen payment acceptance opportunities, and make digital transactions more accessible and convenient for businesses and consumers.