Rebuilding Syria News & Updates

Syria and Saudi Arabia signed four MoUs covering air, land, rail transport and postal services, alongside a separate deal to rehabilitate an iron and steel plant in Hama.

Thirteen German companies took part in the 63rd Damascus International Fair, following the formation of a new Syrian-German joint economic committee.

Syria's Agriculture Ministry and Agricultural Cooperative Bank signed financing agreements at Damascus expo to support farmers with modern irrigation equipment.

Syrian and Iraqi chambers of commerce signed a memorandum to boost trade exchange and joint investment during the 63rd Damascus International Fair.

Syria's Central Bank confirms the country's first Visa card transaction in Damascus, part of a new electronic payment system approved under Decree 1124.

Damascus Chamber of Commerce chief says removing Syria from the terrorism list restores financial ties, including access to SWIFT.

Syria and Saudi Arabia signed an updated bilateral air transport agreement giving carriers greater flexibility to open new routes and expand flights.

Syrian and Saudi transport ministers signed two memoranda in Damascus to advance road, rail and logistics cooperation.

Turkey's trade minister announced a joint customs committee with Syria and plans to expand border crossings amid growing bilateral trade.

Idlib governorate signed an agreement with a Turkish company to expand Bab al-Hawa Industrial City, attended by economic officials from both sides.

Syria's customs authority chief and a Saudi business delegation discussed developing ports, free zones and dry ports to expand bilateral trade and logistics.

A Damascus business forum brought together Syrian and Turkish firms, including 40 Turkish companies, to discuss joint investment and raise bilateral trade.

Syria's 63rd Damascus International Fair, scheduled from 26 August to 4 September 2026, will host around 1,000 entities from 60 countries as investment partnerships expand across energy, ports, and…

Syrian and Saudi business councils held a joint forum in Damascus to advance existing agreements and expand economic cooperation across eight sectors.

An economic expert says the removal of Syria's terrorism designation may open the door for global banks to resume operations and financial transfers.

The number of companies registered in Syria under various legal forms rose by 107 percent in 2025, increasing from 8,675 to 18,023.

Syria's Ministry of Economy and Industry issued Decision No. 136, launching a programme called 'Syrian Made' to promote local industry.

The U.S. Treasury and State Department published an official document summarizing sanctions and export control relief for Syria in August 2026.

The Saudi Syrian Business Council discussed moving economic cooperation toward tangible investment partnerships, with Syria's economy minister and investment authority chief in attendance.

A coordination meeting in Damascus between Syria's and Lebanon's transport ministers advanced plans to revive rail and road links and boost bilateral trade.

Syria's General Housing Establishment has signed a deal with Dosky Company to build the 500 unit Royal City residential project in Rif Dimashq.

The Syrian Investment Authority and Aleppo City Council signed a contract with Abu Dan Holding to redevelop Al Kawakibi Park with a $2.5 million investment over 22,500 sqm.

Idlib governorate has removed more than 1.3 million cubic meters of rubble and launched a second phase to clear 750,000 additional cubic meters.

Syria's Investment Authority has issued a decision to establish a new branch in Homs, aiming to bring its services closer to investors and local projects.

Syria's Public Works Minister met a UNOPS delegation to discuss cooperation on housing and infrastructure, agreeing on technical sessions to study rehabilitating 300 schools.

The Tartus Technical Services Directorate completed maintenance on a road linking several villages in Safita as part of an approved provincial road rehabilitation plan.

Idlib's governor and the head of the customs authority toured the Bab al-Hawa border crossing to review expansion, rehabilitation and paving works underway there.

Syria's Economy Ministry launched the Syrian Industry program to restore factory output, boost local production and cut import reliance.

Idlib province has reactivated 157 administrative units and restored 90 municipal buildings, as part of a plan to strengthen local governance and services.

The board of the Syrian Trade Establishment approved its 2027 investment plan and budget, repaying 115 billion SYP in debts to the private sector and advancing asset development.

Syria's Ministry of Energy and its Turkish counterpart signed a trilateral memorandum of understanding on geology and mining cooperation for five years.

Syria's central bank issued Decision No. 1124 approving an electronic payment and digital transformation system to build a modern national payment network for citizens and businesses.

Hama's governor has ordered accelerated repair works on the 45 km Aqayrbat-Salamiyah road to enhance traffic safety in the eastern countryside.

Deir ez-Zor's emergency response committee began reinforcing the city's earthen bridge with metal culverts and soil fill after the Euphrates River level rose.

The Syrian Central Bank announced Decision 1124, establishing a national electronic payment and digital transformation system that creates a licensing framework for payment service providers and…

Syrian Minister of Public Works Mustafa Abdul Razzaq met his Egyptian counterpart in Cairo to discuss cooperation in housing, urban planning, and rebuilding, including a visit to Egypt's Urban…

Syria's Ministry of Public Works and Housing is working to resolve financing and technical obstacles in the cooperative housing sector, targeting 5,300 units in Homs and a four-year restructuring…

Hasakah Electricity Company has completed maintenance and rehabilitation works on transformer stations and power networks in Hasakah city and Qamishli, including repair of the 20 kV Al-Kindi line.

Turkish-Syrian trade grew 16% in the first seven months of the current year, with Turkish exports reaching 1.28 billion dollars in the first half.

Turkey's ambassador to Damascus, Nuh Yilmaz, has outlined plans for a free trade agreement and joint industrial zones with Syria, with a stated medium-term trade target of $10 billion, alongside a…

Syrian and Saudi deputy transport ministers held video talks covering land and rail connectivity, port upgrades at Latakia and Tartus, and alternative transit routes through Iraq toward the Gulf.

The UN High Commissioner for Refugees announced support for Syria's 'Syria Without Camps' initiative during a field visit to Idlib and Aleppo, where pledges were made for infrastructure rebuilding…

Syria's General Authority for Ports and Customs signed a BOT agreement with a Turkish company to build an integrated shipyard at Tartus port, backed by a 190-million-dollar investment and creating…

Finance Minister Mohammad Yasser Barnieh held a virtual meeting with senior Bank of America executives to discuss building a transparent financial sector and explore cooperation pathways as Syria…

An IMF tax policy mission concluded its visit to Syria confirming that the country's draft tax legislation aligns with international standards and pledging continued technical assistance for…

Finance Minister Mohammad Yasser Barnieh met via video call with a team of Bank of America managers to explore cooperation opportunities and Syria's reintegration into the international financial…

Finance Minister Mohammad Yasser Barnieh projected 11.3% economic growth for the current year and budget revenues of approximately $8 billion in 2026, alongside a new tax system targeting private…

Syria's National Energy Research Center held a meeting with an RCREEE delegation in Damascus to discuss a national advanced capacity-building programme on energy efficiency, renewable energy, and…

Syria's Ministry of Local Administration and Environment has reviewed the first official edition of a unified procedural guide for investment and contracting in administrative units, comprising 8…

Syria's Ministry of Energy announced sustained progress during the first half of 2026, covering power supply improvements, grid and substation rehabilitation, and expanded renewable energy projects.

The World Bank's Board of Executive Directors approved a $100 million IDA grant for the Syria Financial Sector Modernisation Project, covering digital payment infrastructure, banking supervision, and…

Syria's transport minister met the World Bank's Middle East director to advance cooperation on rehabilitating the 2,800-kilometre railway network, backed by a $200 million World Bank grant announced…

Damascus Governorate has issued detailed zoning plan No. 7/26 for the western Baramkeh district, reclassifying property No.

A board member of the Damascus Chamber of Commerce outlines the requirements for activating e-commerce in Syria, from digital business transformation to resolving barriers in payments, logistics, and…

Syria's state oil company held talks with a Saudi Ministry of Energy delegation, including representatives of major Saudi energy firms, to discuss investment opportunities and cooperation in the oil…

Decree 162 of 2026 appoints architect Ahmad Rawad Ramadan Director-General of the Syrian Investment Authority, the national investment body operating ten governorate branches.

The Ministry of Local Administration and Environment has released the first official edition of a unified procedural guide to regulate investment and contracting in Syrian municipalities and local…

Syria and the UAE have announced the reconstitution of their joint business council during a ministerial visit to Damascus, aiming to channel investment into strategic sectors and expand the role of…

Syria and Japan convened their first bilateral political consultations in Damascus on Tuesday, addressing development cooperation, trade, investment, and rebuilding priorities, as Japan reaffirms…

Syria's Finance Minister announced that the World Bank has positively assessed the country's fiscal policy performance for FY2026, resulting in increased IDA grant allocations for FY2027 under the…

Syria's General Housing Establishment announces the opening of subscriptions for the Abyat Hills project in Qudsaya on 5 August, offering over 2,000 housing units across 380,000 square meters.

Syria's Sovereign Fund has signed a contract with Canada's InterHealth to rehabilitate and upgrade 14 national hospitals across Syrian governorates over 24 months, covering infrastructure, medical…

China's ambassador to Damascus has announced Beijing's intention to expand practical cooperation with Syria, covering infrastructure, free zones, and smart industrial cities, marking a significant…

Syria's Ministry of Economy and Industry has reported a notable increase in company registrations and commercial records issued during the first half of 2026, driven by streamlined procedures and an…

The Syrian Engineers Syndicate has announced a new package of measures including free initial inspections and 50% discounts on structural assessment reports to support the rebuilding of war-damaged…

Damascus Governorate has launched a road paving and asphalting project through its directorates, with the Maintenance Directorate leading infrastructure rehabilitation efforts across the capital.

The Syria Recovery Trust Fund has approved two new projects totalling EUR 3.86 million, targeting infrastructure rehabilitation in Jisr al-Shughur and agricultural support for farmers in Raqqa and…

The Real Estate Finance Supervisory Authority's board held its third meeting of 2026, reviewing Law No.

The Syrian Petroleum Company held talks with a Czech business delegation on technical and investment cooperation in refining development, infrastructure modernisation, and carbon emissions reduction…

A joint Syrian-Jordanian technical delegation met at the Jaber border crossing on 29 July to review expansion and rehabilitation plans for the Nassib and Jaber crossings and coordinate their…

German carrier LEAV Aviation operated its first scheduled flight from Düsseldorf to Damascus International Airport, reopening direct air links between Germany and Syria after years of suspension.

The Central Bank of Syria hosted a technical delegation from the Central Bank of Turkey to discuss payment system modernisation, digital transformation, and the opening of a joint interbank account…

Egyptian economic analyst Mohamed Al-Gohary says Syria's strategic location makes it a natural transit corridor for Egyptian goods heading to Turkey and Europe, calling for the revival of sea routes…

A Belgian diplomatic delegation led by Ambassador Arnout Pauls toured Tartus Port on 28 July 2026, reviewing ongoing infrastructure development projects and discussing prospects for bilateral…

Major development finance institutions are returning to Syria at varying speeds, with KfW, AFD and the World Bank Group leading the way through active projects and planned offices, while others adopt…

Syria's government has signed 54 economic MoUs and agreements in 2026, with Gulf states accounting for half of all signings and 17 deals confirmed as entering active implementation.

The UN Office for Project Services announced plans to broaden its work in Syria, covering healthcare, sustainable energy, and demining, as Secretary-General Guterres urged the international community…

The Syria Petroleum Company has commenced offloading two tankers carrying diesel and liquefied petroleum gas at the Baniyas marine terminal in Tartus, with a combined cargo exceeding 69,000 metric…

Jordan's Interior Ministry has extended entry facilitations to cover the families of Syrian investors, while the Irbid and Rural Damascus chambers of commerce signed a twinning agreement to deepen…

Three Aframax tankers loaded Iraqi fuel oil at Baniyas port in Tartus governorate between June and July 2026, marking the first such shipments from Syria destined for the United States following the…

Syria's authority for local production and export promotion met the EU delegation in Damascus to explore trade cooperation and ways to ease Syrian products' access to European markets through the REX…

The head of Syria's General Authority for Border Crossings and Customs has directed improvements to infrastructure and technical equipment at Aleppo International Airport's customs directorate…

Turkey and Syria have reached a preliminary agreement to open Turkish bank branches in Syria, including Ziraat Bank and Aktif Bank, to finance bilateral trade and streamline payments, though…

Syria's Civil Aviation Authority met with representatives of Kuwait's Al-Rawdhan & Al-Mutawa Holding and Turkey's Limak to discuss a preliminary plan for expanding Deir ez-Zor International Airport.

The Real Estate Finance Supervision Authority is revising key legislation, reviewing its first mortgage company licensing application, and expanding its network of 512 certified appraisers across…

Turkish Trade Minister Omar Bolat announced that trade between Turkey and Syria reached $3.75 billion last year, a rise of over 40%, as both countries work toward a shared $10 billion target.

The Damascus Chamber of Commerce met with an EU mission delegation to discuss economic cooperation, SME support programs, and a planned high-level economic visit to Damascus in November.

UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi has stated that Emaar Properties is expected to begin on-the-ground operations in Syria within two to three months, with plans…

Syria's Federation of Chambers of Commerce signed a memorandum of understanding with the Syrian-Chinese Business Council at the Nastex 2026 textile fair in Damascus, aiming to move beyond trade…

Germany's KfW development bank has announced the resumption of its operations in Damascus after a prolonged suspension, marking a significant step toward renewed international financing for Syria's…

The Syrian government is in talks with the Saudi Fund for Development to complete the transfer of a USD 1.5 billion grant earmarked for the Syria Without Camps initiative.

Syria and Kuwait reached agreements during official talks in Kuwait City to establish a joint high-level coordination committee and a Syrian-Kuwaiti business council aimed at expanding economic and…

Rif Dimashq Governorate has approved 11 sanitation projects and 3 drinking water well projects totalling 116 million Syrian pounds, following a service coordination meeting held by the Qatifah…

Damascus will host the second edition of the Imar International Exhibition 2026, a specialized economic forum bringing together local and international companies in construction, energy, and industry…

Syria's Ministry of Education has completed the rehabilitation of 1,285 schools since the beginning of 2026, while more than 6,000 schools across the country still require rebuilding or repair.

A UAE-based real estate developer has unveiled plans for residential complexes in five Syrian governorates, offering units priced between $25,000 and $38,000 with delivery expected within three years.

Syria's Ministry of Energy has signed two memoranda of understanding aimed at reviving the Iraq-Syria pipeline project, signaling a strategic push to rebuild the energy sector and strengthen regional…

Iraq's Council of Ministers has approved a preliminary principles agreement with a US-Qatari consortium to conduct feasibility studies for an oil pipeline to Syria's Baniyas port, as Baghdad seeks to

Damascus hosts the inaugural Syrian-American Business Forum, organized by the Ministry of Economy and the US-Syria Business Council, as Washington's sweeping sanctions relief opens new avenues for bil