Damascus, Dec. 11 (SANA) Syrian Economy and Industry Minister Mohammad Nidal al-Shaar said the repeal of the “Caesar Act” marks a historic step that removes one of the largest obstacles facing Syria’s economy and opens the door for renewed investment and international support for reconstruction.
In a statement to SANA, al Shaar explained that lifting the sanctions will improve economic conditions by securing foreign currency, enabling imports of essential goods, machinery, and technology, reviving idle factories, and helping stabilize local prices. He added that the move will facilitate the return of Arab and foreign companies to invest in Syria and strengthen the banking sector by restoring international financial relations, which will boost exports and enhance Syrian products’ competitiveness in regional and global markets.
Al Shaar emphasized that the ministry, in cooperation with other government bodies, industry chambers, and civil society, is preparing incentive packages and regulatory frameworks to maximize this opportunity in support of national production and small and medium enterprises. He praised the diplomatic efforts and the role of the Syrian diaspora abroad in achieving this milestone, and acknowledged the contributions of regional and international partners who helped pave the way for the decision.
The U.S. House of Representatives voted yesterday to repeal the sanctions imposed under the Caesar Act, originally enacted in December 2019 to penalize the former Syrian regime for war crimes committed during the years of the uprising. The repeal was comprehensive and unconditional, included as a provision in the U.S. Department of Defense’s 2026 budget law, following intensive diplomatic efforts by the Syrian government, diaspora organizations, and supportive nations.
