Reuters: Investors eye Syria following sanctions lift by Trump

The US decision to lift sanctions on Syria is being hailed as a turning point for the country’s shattered economy, potentially unlocking long-awaited investment from the Syrian diaspora, Türkiye, and Gulf nations backing the new government in Damascus.

Business leaders and officials anticipate a wave of capital inflows following President Donald Trump’s unexpected announcement, even as Syria grapples with deep political and security challenges, Caliber.Az reports via Reuters. 

Syrian billionaire Ghassan Aboud, based in the UAE, said he is preparing to invest, describing the move as a major shift for Syrians previously deterred by sanctions risks. 

"They were scared to come and work in Syria due to the sanctions risks ... This will completely disappear now," said Aboud, who outlined plans for a large-scale cultural and educational development initiative. "I'm of course planning to enter the market ... the ground is fertile: any seed planted today can result in a good profit margin."

The economic overhaul is being steered by Syria’s interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa, a former militant turned reformist, who has embraced free-market policies. In a televised speech, he praised the US move as “historic and brave” and pledged to improve the investment climate.

"We welcome all investors from our homeland ... and from our Arab and Turkish brothers and friends around the world," he said. International observers view the lifting of sanctions as a potential game-changer. “There’s a real chance for a transformational change in Syria and the broader region,” said Timothy Ash, strategist at RBC BlueBay.

The Syrian pound has strengthened sharply since the announcement, rising from 12,600 to under 9,500 against the US dollar. Finance Minister Yisr Barnieh said investment interest is growing across sectors—from agriculture to infrastructure. "Syria today is a land of opportunities ... we call on all investors to take this opportunity," Barnieh told Reuters.

Turkish firms, long aligned with the Syrian opposition, are now poised to play a key role in reconstruction. BBVA CEO Onur Genc said the move will enable Turkish companies and banks to re-enter the Syrian market. "There's a lot of reconstruction needed in Syria. Who's there to do that? The Turkish companies," he said. Despite the optimism, Syria remains fragile. Armed groups still operate outside government control, sectarian divisions persist, and Israel has vowed to continue its strikes, calling Sharaa a “jihadist threat.”

Still, the business community is reacting with cautious optimism. "It’s too good to be true," said Karam Bechara, head of Syria’s Shahba Bank. "We’re on the right track now internationally unless something happens in Syria that derails the process." Lebanese investor Imad al-Khatib has already accelerated a $200 million waste management project in Damascus. "This is the first step ... and larger steps will follow, God willing," he said.

By Naila Huseynova