Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa received a delegation of French business leaders Wednesday, October 1, at the People’s Palace in Damascus, according to the Syrian presidency. Discussions centered on potential cooperation in energy, aviation, tourism, digital transformation and resource management.
Sharaa said Syria is moving steadily toward stability and development, emphasizing the government’s efforts to update investment laws to create a more attractive business climate. He welcomed French companies, citing their global expertise and leadership. “Security stability and economic development are the two pillars anchoring Syria’s future,” Sharaa said, noting that Damascus is working to revise regulations to encourage both domestic and foreign investment.
French Delegation Signals Confidence
According to SANA, the French delegation included representatives from major firms in aviation, infrastructure, tourism and digital services. Philippe Gautier, CEO of MEDEF International, described the visit as “the first of its scale and level since 2008.” He said it reflects “great confidence in the new Syria.”
Executives outlined potential contributions in specific industries. Hadi Akoum, Airbus vice president for Africa and the Levant, pointed to opportunities in Syria’s civil aviation sector. Mouchir El Husseinii, general manager of Thales, emphasized the company’s interest in aerospace, aviation equipment and digital identity. Stéphanie Gaudichon of Bureau Veritas highlighted the company’s expertise in digital transformation solutions and regulatory frameworks.
Tourism also emerged as a central topic. Steve Danis of Accor Hotels stressed the sector’s capacity to generate revenue and create jobs, saying the company is ready to invest in training local staff. Vincent Minuit of SUEZ said the company could help expand Syria’s water treatment and waste management infrastructure, citing its experience with large-scale projects in the region.
Forum Launches to Support Investment
The meeting coincided with the opening of the Syrian-French Investment Forum at the Ebla Al-Sham Hotel near Damascus. Organized by the Syrian Investment Authority, the forum brought together Syrian ministries, French diplomats and business leaders.
SANA reported that the event marked a new stage in bilateral ties following France’s endorsement of the EU’s decision to lift sanctions on Syria. The forum follows Sharaa’s May visit to Paris, where he met French President Emmanuel Macron. At that meeting, Paris reaffirmed its support for Syria’s reconstruction efforts.
Shared Interests Moving Forward
Both sides described Wednesday’s talks as a foundation for long-term cooperation. Sharaa underscored Syria’s rejection of reliance on aid, instead calling for partnerships that would strengthen self-sufficiency. French executives, in turn, highlighted the cultural and historical ties between the two countries as a basis for business collaboration.
As Syria looks to rebuild, officials said they hope partnerships with French companies can accelerate investment across multiple sectors while reinforcing economic stability.
