Doha: The US Department of Commerce's decision, issued through the Bureau of Industry and Security, to ease export controls on Syria has attracted widespread attention in Syrian economic circles. The decision, which will allow Syria to import materials for civilian use in vital sectors and classified under EAR99, represents a significant shift that opens the door to a new phase of economic openness and reconstruction.
According to Qatar News Agency, economic expert specializing in economic development and Middle Eastern economies Dr. Khaled Al-Terkawi considered the decision a pivotal step toward reintegrating the Syrian economy into the global system. He explained that allowing the import and export of consumer and technological goods will help reduce reliance on traditional markets and open up broader horizons for investment and growth. Dr. Al-Terkawi added that the decision could enhance the ability of Syrian companies to import essential equipment and materials more quickly and efficiently, supporting reconstruction efforts and stimulating local business activity.
In an exclusive interview with QNA, Dr. Al-Terkawi pointed out that the greatest importance lies in opening the door to vital American technology, as companies and individuals will be able to use operating systems such as Windows and Android, along with specialized engineering programs such as AutoCAD. This will help accelerate the pace of reconstruction and development of the telecommunications sector. Dr. Al-Terkawi explained that the decision could also contribute to attracting new foreign investments, particularly in the energy and civil aviation sectors, noting that deals such as the redevelopment of Damascus International Airport are an example of the gradual return of confidence in the Syrian market.
He added that capitalizing on this opportunity requires legislative and administrative reforms to simplify procedures for investors, in addition to the local private sector upgrading its technical capabilities by relying on cloud computing services and global digital platforms that were not fully available previously. However, he stressed that challenges remain, particularly with regard to the equipment of banks, aviation, and other essential sectors, which require extensive modernization to fully benefit from the decision.
In turn, economist and CEO of Iqtisadi platform Younes Al-Karim emphasized that the US decision represents a strategic shift in policy toward Syria and sets a precedent by ending the country's state of emergency. He considered it to reflect a substantial relaxation of US scrutiny and oversight. In an exclusive interview with QNA, he said that the decision opens the way for the Syrian government to deal directly not only with the US but also with its allies around the world, including China and Russia. He further explained that the sanctions were raising the cost of dealing with Syria and making cooperation risky, while lifting them would reduce costs and enable the signing of competitive offers for the benefit of the Syrian economy.
Al-Karim added that the decision also indicates political flexibility on the US' part, which could allow the Syrian government to benefit from Arab and European aid, as well as the possibility of obtaining grants and assistance from US humanitarian organizations in the form of equipment or money. He also emphasized that lifting restrictions on American materials and technology would reduce reconstruction costs by approximately 30%, noting that Syria could directly benefit from American technology in rebuilding oil fields and addressing water problems, two sectors of critical importance to the national economy.
Regarding foreign investment, he believed the decision provided an incentive, but stressed that attracting investment depends on three key elements: a clear economic vision and institutions capable of implementation, the availability of security and safety, and the lifting of sanctions. Al-Karim also pointed out that the Syrian government can take advantage of this opportunity by building strong economic institutions, announcing a clear investment map focusing on the sectors included in the lifting of restrictions, and organizing international conferences to invite Arab and international investors and partners. However, he warned that significant administrative and logistical challenges remain, in addition to the weak resources of the Syrian private sector, a large portion of which has relocated abroad. This requires a serious strategy to reintegrate the sector and encourage it to invest domestically.
Meanwhile, researcher in international economics and finance Mohamed Ghazal confirmed in an exclusive interview with QNA that the decision represents a significant shift in US economic policy towards Syria, noting that the new exceptions allow the export of non-prohibited civilian goods without prior licensing, which eases procedural restrictions and reduces supply costs. He explained that the decision's direct impact will be improved continuity of essential services and accelerated maintenance and production processes in the electricity, communications, and civil aviation sectors, leading to improved output quality and reduced burdens on these sectors.
Regarding investments, Ghazal explained that the decision reduces regulatory risks for foreign companies, which may encourage the flow of new investments in the energy, communications, and civil aviation sectors. However, he stressed that the size of these investments will remain dependent on the Syrian financial system's ability to provide secure payment and insurance channels, as well as appropriate incentives for investors. He believed the decision provides Syria with an opportunity to gradually reintegrate into the global economy through trade and technology, arguing that this requires developing clear legislative and regulatory frameworks consistent with international law and improving the investment environment to ensure transparency and governance.
Ghazal also stressed that the biggest challenge lies in accessing effective financial and insurance channels, as banks and insurance companies may hesitate to deal with the Syrian market despite the relief achieved. The weakness of the administrative and logistical infrastructure also calls for urgent reforms to the procurement and contracting systems. He added that the Syrian private sector needs to be rehabilitated and its technical and administrative capacities built to enable it to absorb new technology and operate in accordance with international standards, ensuring successful and sustainable partnerships with foreign companies.
US sanctions on Syria began during the era of President George Bush in 2004 under the Syria Accountability Act and were later expanded to include the oil, financial, and trade sectors. These sanctions increased before President Trump announced on June 30, 2025, that they would be lifted and that a gradual lifting of these sanctions would begin. This was achieved through a package of steps that included the removal of some banking restrictions and the facilitation of import and export operations, work continues to complete the full lifting of these restrictions in the next phase.