DAMASCUS (Anadolu)

The first Syrian-American Business Forum will kick off in the Syrian capital Damascus on Monday, with participation of representatives from economic and trade ministries and institutions of both countries.

The official Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) reported Sunday that the forum is hosted by Damascus, organized by the Syrian Ministry of Economy and Industry, in cooperation with the Syrian-American Business Council, with the aim of opening new horizons for economic cooperation between the two countries.

It added that the forum's sessions "will address the future of the Syrian economy in the recovery phase, the economic reform agenda, along with reviewing investment opportunities in various sectors."

According to the agency, "The forum serves as a platform for dialogue between decision-makers and private sector representatives, contributing to enhancing the investment environment, building new economic partnerships, and attracting capital and international expertise to participate in reconstruction and development projects."

The forum is being organized at a time when economic relations between Damascus and Washington are witnessing developments, following the US administration’s announcement during 2025 of a broad easing of sanctions imposed on Syria, including the issuance of General License No. (25) by the US Treasury Department, which permits previously prohibited transactions and aims to encourage investment and private sector activity in the country.

The US State Department also issued an exemption from some sanctions under the "Caesar Act" to facilitate investments supporting recovery and reconstruction in Syria.

In June 2025, US President Donald Trump signed an executive order canceling sanctions imposed on Syria.

A White House statement said the step aims to support Syria’s path toward stability and peace.

Following that, the US Treasury Department announced the removal of 518 individuals and entities from the sanctions list imposed on Syria, who are considered "essential for Syria's development, the functioning of its government, and rebuilding the social fabric."

Meanwhile, the department announced the expansion of sanctions imposed on individuals and entities linked to deposed regime leader Bashar al-Assad and his supporters.

Against the backdrop of the Assad regime’s violations and its suppression of the Syrian revolution since 2011, the United States, the European Union, and other countries imposed sanctions on Syria, including asset freezes, halting financial transfers, depriving it of technology, and banning dealings with his regime.

On December 8, 2024, Syrian factions completed their control over the country, ending 61 years of the bloody Baath Party rule, including 53 years of the Assad family’s grip.

The new Syrian government announced on January 29, 2025, Ahmad al-Shara as president of the country during a transitional period lasting five years.