2026-01-02
26 分钟We're looking at two economies struggling from the effects of war.
It's well-business report from the BBC World Service.
I'm Rahul Tandon.
Syria has introduced new banknotes.
Russia has increased taxes, but is that enough to boost their economies?
And we'll hear from a key advisor to New York's new mayor.
Is he really going to be able to tax the rich?
We'll take you to New York in about 10 minutes time,
but let's start in Syria with the moment that the country unveiled new currency notes,
which it's hoped will help restore faith in its beleaguered economy.
Those notes actually came into circulation on the 1st of January and they will replace the notes that have been in circulation under the Assad regime.
The new bank notes feature pictures of farm products grown in Syria such as roses, wheat and olives.
They may look better but the value of the Syrian pound has plunged
since the start of the civil war in 2011.
Our international editor Jeremy Bowen says the lack of money is a huge challenge for the economy.
They don't have to live in fear.
They can try and sort things out a bit,
go back to where they've been staying, try and prepare for the final big move.
But it still looks war-torn, I have to say.
While they have made a lot of progress since the Assad regime fell,