Damascus, SANA -The transportation sector, a vital economic artery, has been one of the most affected by the unjust economic sanctions imposed on Syria. These sanctions have not only made it difficult to procure equipment and spare parts but have also hindered access to funding, frozen technical cooperation, and disrupted insurance and international support systems, according to Transport Minister Dr. Yarub Badr in a statement to SANA.
Minister Badr stated that lifting sanctions on this sector in the coming months would facilitate the rehabilitation of roads, ports, and railway lines, improve traffic safety through the introduction of advanced equipment and workforce training, and restore regional and international connectivity—particularly in transit and cross-border transportation. Additionally, it would attract new investments in transport and logistics services.
The minister emphasized that easing or lifting sanctions represents a long-awaited development and serves as a critical step toward restoring part of the economic and service balance lost due to years of unilateral coercive measures.
He pointed out that these sanctions were not merely political but affected essential sectors that directly impact citizens’ daily lives, including healthcare, education, food, transportation, and fuel. This broad impact has placed a compounded burden on both the state and society. He stressed that any serious reassessment of such policies must be based on a genuine acknowledgment of their consequences and translated into concrete measures to lift restrictions on vital sectors without exceptions or selectivity.
Minister Badr viewed this decision as an opportunity to revitalize Syria’s ability to restore its service capacity, alleviate the burdens on citizens, and enable them to live with dignity and economic security.
He further affirmed the belief that Syria can reclaim its role as a key regional trade corridor—provided that sanctions are fully and comprehensively lifted.
Reem Abdulhameed / Manar Salameh
