Google removes Syria from advertising sanctions list: “In August 2025, the Google Ads Legal Requirements policy and the Understanding Country Restrictions help center page will both be updated to reflect the removal of Syria from the US Office of Foreign Asset Control sanctions list.”
Turkey to help Syria with weapon systems, equipment under new accord, source says: “Turkey will provide weapons systems and logistical tools to Syria under a military cooperation accord signed on Wednesday, a Turkish Defense Ministry source said, adding that Ankara would also train the Syrian army in using such equipment if needed.“
Syria signs new tourism investment agreements: “ Syria’s Tourism Ministry has signed multiple agreements and memoranda of understanding with Arab and foreign companies to develop tourism facilities across several governorates […] In coordination with the Syrian Investment Authority, the ministry is streamlining investment procedures by creating an investor services center and preparing a comprehensive investment guide detailing available incentives and exemptions.”
Syria revives tech sector after the fall of Assad and lifting of sanctions: On SYNC and their plans for creating 25,000 jobs.
Jordan announces decline in drug smuggling on border with Syria
Financial Recovery in Syria: Radical Reforms and Promising Investment Opportunities: “the Governor of the Central Bank of Syria, Abdul Qadir Al-Hosari, revealed an ambitious package of reforms aimed at rebuilding the Syrian financial sector, amidst notable investment interest, beginning with an unprecedented banking revival as it received 70 offers to establish new banks from local and international investors, […] Regarding monetary stability, the exchange rate of the Syrian pound improved by 35%, reducing the gap between the official price and the parallel market, and developing national payment systems in preparation for opening up to the private sector […] Avoiding external borrowing and focusing on attracting foreign direct investment and financing through development funds while maintaining monetary independence by not linking the pound to any foreign currency, reintegrating into the global financial system, reactivating the banking correspondence network after lifting sanctions, and working to reconnect the Syrian banking system to the "SWIFT" network, and strengthening anti-money laundering systems to build trust with global banks. […] Despite these positive indicators, Syria faces serious challenges in the recovery process, primarily inflation risks with increased liquidity, a weak local production base, and an unstable regional political environment.”
Saudi steps to engage in the Syrian cement sector: “The General Organization for Cement and Building Materials Marketing (Omran) at the Adra Cement Plant (near Damascus) received a technical delegation from Saudi Arabia’s Northern Cement Group on Thursday, August 15, as part of the memorandum of understanding signed during the Syrian-Saudi Investment Forum last month. The agreement aims to rehabilitate and modernize state-owned cement plants in Syria […] A vocational training center at the Adra plant will also be reactivated with Saudi assistance to prepare skilled workers capable of supporting both public and private factories. According to Fadila, Omran has developed a strategic plan to strengthen its competitiveness in the domestic market by matching imported cement products in quality and diversity. […] The company will launch recruitment competitions and a 90-day training program, extendable if needed, under the supervision of Arab and foreign experts.”
Syria launches Give Me Back My School campaign amid rebuilding efforts: “448 schools have already been repaired, with work continuing on 330 more. "There are 7,215 schools across the country that are still waiting to be restored. During this process, the Ministry of Finance has launched an investment plan," he said.”
Historic drought, wheat shortage to test Syria's new leadership: “Syria faces a potential food crisis after the worst drought in 36 years slashed wheat production by around 40%, squeezing the country's cash-strapped government, which has been unable to secure large-scale purchases. Around three million Syrians could face severe hunger, the United Nations' World Food Programme told Reuters in written answers to questions, without giving a timeframe.“
Syria Aid Levels Lag Far Behind International Promises: “The European Commission has so far disbursed just 12% of its pledge, while Germany has disbursed 10.7%, Canada 9.8%, South Korea 6.8%, Japan 6.7%, Sweden 6.5%, Turkey 5.4%, Switzerland 5.3%, the United Kingdom 4.7%, and the United States 4.2%. Regardless of the reasons for failing to follow through, chronic underfunding of core humanitarian sectors risks deepening poverty in all its forms and eroding already fragile social cohesion at a critical moment for the country’s future. […] These concerns are clearly reflected in the extremely low funding rates for essential sectors that suffered severe declines in development indicators during the war years. Education has received just 4% of what it needs, water and sanitation 2.6%, health 6.6%, early recovery and livelihoods 8.1%, food security and agriculture 8.2%, and nutrition 3%. Only logistics exceeded its target—at 130%—but that line item amounted to just $1.4 million in total. Even “coordination and common services” stands at just 23%.“
Saudi Arabia, Syria sign investment protection deal: “The event builds on last month’s Syrian-Saudi Investment Forum in Damascus, where over 100 firms from the Kingdom, alongside 20 government agencies, signed 47 deals worth $6.4 billion across sectors including real estate, infrastructure, and finance, as well as telecom, energy, and industry. […] The ministry added that the scope includes safeguarding investors and investments, accelerating integration, ensuring a secure environment backed by favorable laws, and boosting the flow of capital into key sectors. […] He also revealed that 80 Saudi companies have registered to participate in the Damascus International Fair, which will be held after a six-year pause from Aug. 27 to Sept. 5.“
Maintaining Momentum in Syria’s Energy Sector: “New oil, gas, and infrastructure initiatives have continued rolling in since the Trump administration’s removal of sanctions, but they may amount to little in the long term unless more is done to build Syria’s own capacity, tamp down on political tensions, and address bureaucratic confusion.”
Discussion about this post
No posts