Azerbaijan, Syria to establish joint business council

Azerbaijan and Syria are set to establish a joint business council aimed at strengthening economic and business ties between the two countries, Syrian Minister of Economy and Industry Mohammad Nidal al-Shaar said on September 25.

Speaking at the Second Azerbaijan International Investment Forum (AIIF 2026) in Baku, al-Shaar announced the creation of the new body, Caliber.Az reports per local media.

“Today we are announcing the establishment of the Syrian-Azerbaijani Business Council,” the minister said.

He said the initiative was part of Syria’s efforts to rebuild economic links with the international community and develop new partnerships. Al-Shaar noted that Syria had established a similar business council with Uzbekistan a week earlier.

“We are beginning to re-establish ties with the world that were lost over the past 60 years. This is not an easy task, and it comes with significant challenges,” al-Shaar noted.

The minister said Syria was now open to foreign investors and was working to update its legal and regulatory framework to facilitate investment.

“Today we have no obstacles. We are updating our legislation. This is crucial for all investors, as our previous legislation was drafted with narrow interests in mind. Today, it is being adapted to open up our economy and attract investors,” he said.

Al-Shaar said Syria’s goal extended beyond attracting capital, emphasising the importance of establishing long-term partnerships, facilitating technology transfers and securing investments that could contribute to broader economic development.