Damascus Feb. 20 (SANA) — Canada’s decision to lift major economic sanctions on Syria—announced Wednesday by Foreign Minister Anita Anand, ending a blanket ban imposed since 2011—marks a positive shift that will empower legitimate trade and fuel rebuilding efforts, the Syrian Export and Local Product Development Authority said.
Authority head Manhal Faris told SANA the move opens doors for Syrian firms to link into global supply chains, revive trade ties, and draw investment. It will particularly benefit local producers and exporters by easing access to international markets.
Faris stressed that removing barriers is just one step in a broader plan to sharpen the competitiveness of Syrian goods. The authority aims to meet global standards, diversify export destinations beyond traditional markets, and forge strategic partnerships worldwide, while backing high-value production sectors.
Looking ahead, the focus will shift to empowerment: building export capabilities, upgrading logistics, securing international certifications, and targeting growth in Asia, Africa, Europe, and Latin America.
Faris urged Syria’s business community across industry and agriculture to seize the changing global climate with competitive drive. He noted Syrian products’ proven quality and variety position them well as active players in world trade, paving the way for a strong global repositioning of exports.
