Damascus: The Governor of the Central Bank of Syria, Abdul Qader Al Hasriya, stated that the lifting of sanctions imposed on Syria under the US Caesar Act opens strategic horizons for Damascus, foremost among them the pursuit of a sovereign credit rating that will reintegrate the country into the global financial system.
According to Qatar News Agency, Al Hasriya explained that a credit rating is an indicator used by international rating agencies to assess a country's ability to repay its debts and its level of investment risk. It is also a fundamental requirement for attracting foreign investment, borrowing from international markets, and engaging with the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank.
He added that the lifting of the Caesar Act is not merely a relaxation of sanctions, but rather the removal of a fundamental legal obstacle that hindered Syria's integration into the international financial system.
He indicated that the first step in this process will be to contact international credit rating agencies to obtain a "shadow, consultative, and undisclosed rating," as a prelude to obtaining a public rating when the appropriate conditions are met.
The exclusive report clarified that obtaining a sovereign credit rating does not necessarily mean an immediate move towards borrowing, but rather aims to provide an objective assessment of the economic and financial situation, enhance discipline in public policies, and prioritize reforms.
It emphasized that the Central Bank of Syria will play a pivotal role in the coming phase by supporting monetary transparency, providing reliable economic data, strengthening financial stability, and contributing to the reconstruction of financial institutions.
US President Donald Trump signed the National Defense Authorization Act for 2026, which included a provision to lift sanctions imposed on Syria under the Caesar Act. The sanctions were officially lifted following the signing of the law.
The US Congress passed the Caesar Act in December 2019 to impose sanctions on the then-Syrian regime for violations and war crimes against civilians.