Minister of Transport, Yarab Badr, met a delegation from the US-Syria Business Council, headed by Jihad Salqini, discussing ways to enhance mutual cooperation and open new horizons for investment in the fields of transport and infrastructure. The meeting covered reconstruction plans aimed at supporting the development of economic relations between Syria and the US.
Enabling US Companies to Enter the Syrian Market
The August 12 meeting, held in Damascus, addressed the importance of enabling US companies to enter the Syrian market and work towards eliminating customs duties on US goods while applying the principle of reciprocity. Additionally, the possibility of establishing direct transport routes between Syria and the US was discussed.
Both sides emphasized that politically aligned countries tend to have closer economic ties and highlighted the necessity of increasing trade exchange between the two nations. Badr indicated difficulties related to international insurance on goods are among the main obstacles to reducing costs.
He noted this issue is global–rather than local–stressing the importance of reactivating the work of foreign consulting firms in Syria to identify opportunities available for investors in transportation infrastructure, as well as encouraging investments in the electricity sector.
For his part, Salqini explained that Syria is entering a new phase in US relations, which presents unprecedented investment opportunities for reconstruction. He affirmed that the council provides the necessary leadership and coordination to restore and develop commercial and scientific relations and accelerate trade and investment across borders.
Proposed Solutions Facilitating Investment
The American side proposed a package of solutions, including establishing a reliable platform for trade and investment, activating organized interaction between government and the private sector, providing guidelines for US companies wishing to enter the Syrian market, and supporting Syrian companies’ readiness to access the US markets.
Both sides emphasized the common foundations between the two countries, starting with enhancing understanding and cultural communication and building trust between companies, The expressed the need to address legal, operational, and cultural requirements, in addition to exploring opportunities in sectors such as agriculture, food security, healthcare, infrastructure, energy, communications, hospitality, textiles, technology, real estate, transport, housing, defense, and water engineering.
An Independent Platform for Economic Cooperation
It is worth noting that the US-Syria Business Council was established in Washington July 12 2025, including Syrian businessmen in the US. It is an independent non-profit organization dedicated to promoting trade relations between the US and Syria and represents a platform for comprehensive economic cooperation supported by its members through providing insights and facilitating access to investment opportunities within the framework of changing relations between the two countries.
