First Syrian-American Business Forum to Explore Investment and Rebuilding Opportunities

Damascus is hosting the first Syrian-American Business Forum, bringing together government officials, investors, and private sector representatives from both countries. The Ministry of Economy and Industry is co-organizing the event alongside the US-Syria Business Council (USSYBC), marking a significant step in the normalization of economic ties between Syria and the United States.

Forum Agenda and Objectives

Sessions at the forum are structured around three core themes:

• Syria's economic future during the recovery phase and ongoing reform programs
• Investment opportunities across multiple sectors of the Syrian economy
• Expanding private-sector cooperation and forging new bilateral economic partnerships

The forum is designed to serve as a dialogue platform connecting policymakers and business leaders, with the aim of improving Syria's investment climate, attracting international capital, and drawing in technical expertise to support rebuilding and development projects.

About the US-Syria Business Council

The US-Syria Business Council was established in Washington in June 2025 as an independent, non-profit trade association dedicated to advancing bilateral trade and investment between the two countries. The Council organizes reciprocal business missions, supports small and medium enterprises, and works to create a regulatory environment conducive to American investment in the Syrian market.

The US Sanctions Relief Trajectory

The forum takes place against the backdrop of a fundamental shift in US policy toward Syria. In May 2025, the Department of the Treasury issued General License 25 (GL 25), authorizing transactions previously prohibited under the Syrian Sanctions Regulations and effectively opening the door to new investment and private-sector activity. Concurrently, the Department of State issued a 180-day waiver of mandatory Caesar Act sanctions to facilitate investments supporting Syria's recovery.

On June 30, 2025, President Donald Trump signed Executive Order 14312, which revoked the comprehensive US sanctions program on Syria effective July 1, 2025. Targeted sanctions on Bashar al-Assad, his associates, human rights abusers, and terrorism-linked individuals remain in force.

Sanctions Removals and New Designations

As part of this policy shift, the US Treasury removed 518 individuals and entities from Syria-related sanctions lists, describing them as critical to Syria's development, governance, and social rebuilding. At the same time, the Treasury expanded sanctions targeting individuals and entities linked to the former Assad regime, reflecting a dual approach that combines economic openness with continued accountability.