In a move that strengthens prospects for economic cooperation between Washington and Damascus, the establishment of the US-Syria Business Council was announced in Washington, DC, as an independent, non-profit, and non-political organization. This newly established council aspires to become a vital bridge for building strong economic and trade partnerships between the two countries, at a time of great need to support Syria’s reconstruction efforts and achieve sustainable economic development after years of challenges.
Ambitious Goals in the Foundational Phase
The council aims to achieve several key strategic objectives, facilitating economic exchange between Syria and the US by creating an effective platform for the exchange of expertise and business ideas between companies and investors, supporting reconstruction in Syria by attracting investments and providing logistical and knowledge and fostering sustainable trade relations between the business communities of the two countries.
In addition to these primary objectives, the council, in its founding phase, plans to implement a series of effective initiatives. These include organizing mutual trade delegations to identify opportunities on the ground, holding specialized investment conferences by bringing the two parties together, providing comprehensive advisory services to official and private entities and coordinating with chambers of commerce to provide accurate information on legal and tax requirements, as well as export and import mechanisms.
A Call for Cooperation and the Founders’ Trust
The Council explicitly called on all Syrian and American companies, entrepreneurs, investors, and economic experts to engage in direct cooperation, emphasizing that building these bridges requires collective efforts.
Founding members expressed optimism about the council’s future and role. Founder Issam Ghreiwati, emphasized that the council “represents a promising economic platform to support the reconstruction phase of modern Syria,” noting its contribution to “achieving a solid economic and trade partnership between Damascus and Washington.” Jihad Salqini, another founding member, revealed that his company, FSN Telecom, is the first American company to launch 4G services in northern Syria. He considered this step, along with the council’s efforts, “the cornerstone of a fruitful and solid strategic partnership between the two countries.”
Leadership Structure and Diverse Expertise
In addition to Ghreiwati and Salqini, the council includes a group of prominent businessmen and women. Businessman Abdulhamid al-Aql, businesswoman Marci Britten, and businessman Basil Ajja. An advisory board was also formed, comprising high-level legal and financial experts, such as legal advisor Samir Sabounji, lawyer and legal advisor Kamal Heikal and financial advisor and businessman Louay al-Homsi.
Future Prospects
The US-Syria Business Council is being born at a critical juncture, bringing with it new hope for strengthening bilateral economic relations. This council is expected to play a pivotal, positive role in opening up unprecedented horizons for cooperation, trade, and investment exchange. It will effectively contribute to supporting Syria’s development and reconstruction process and building an equal and sustainable economic partnership that will positively impact both countries’ economies. The initiative’s success will depend largely on the council’s ability to translate its ambitious goals into tangible reality and attract the trust and investment necessary to realize its vision.
