Lifting of US sanctions on Syria sparks optimism for economic revival and refugee repatriation

DARAMSUQ — Following US President Donald Trump’s decision to lift sanctions on Syria, Syrian Transitional Government (STG) Finance Minister Mohammad Yisr Barnieh expressed optimism that the move would foster conditions conducive to refugee repatriation and improved public services. 

In public statements, Barnieh characterized the decision as a pivotal step toward attracting investments, facilitating financial inflows, and reintegrating Syria into the global financial and monetary system. 

Barnieh urged international and regional investors, financial institutions, and business leaders to invest in Syria, emphasizing the government’s commitment to combating corruption, strengthening investment frameworks, safeguarding investors, and reforming the judiciary. 

Economy Minister Mohammad Nidal al-Shaar echoed these sentiments, noting that the removal of sanctions would eliminate obstacles to foreign capital inflows and alleviate concerns about financial transactions. 

Al-Shaar predicted significant improvements in living standards, reduced unemployment, and a restoration of Syria’s international relations. “This decision is fair to the Syrian people,” he said, highlighting that the current devaluation of the Syrian pound does not reflect the country’s true productive capacity and asserting that the situation is temporary. 

Al-Shaar also noted that the Central Bank of Syria is implementing new monetary policies tailored to the nation’s needs, with a focus on stabilizing the economy. 

He expressed confidence that the effects of lifting sanctions would soon be felt by Syrian citizens, with noticeable improvements expected in daily life and economic activity. 

The decision to lift sanctions is being widely viewed as a critical opportunity for Syria to recover from years of economic isolation, rebuild its infrastructure, and strengthen its role in regional and global markets.