U.S.-Syria Business Council Applauds the Termination of Syria Sanctions as a Milestone for Economic Reengagement
WASHINGTON, June 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The U.S.–Syria Business Council (USSBC) applauds today's announcement by the Trump Administration lifting comprehensive sanctions and export controls on Syria, including the revocation of Executive Order 13582, which had prohibited U.S. investments and services in Syria, as well as the delisting of previously designated key state-affiliated entities such as Syriatel, the country's largest telecommunications provider. This long-anticipated measure represents a turning point in U.S.-Syria policy and diplomatic normalization, and also sends a clear signal to global markets that Syria is officially open for lawful and responsible business engagement.
The decision follows sustained engagement by the USSBC with both American and Syrian leadership. In late May and early June, USSBC Founding Members had calls with White House officials on economic reengagement. On June 17, 2025, USSBC Founding Members Jay Salkini and Markie Britton met with U.S. Special Envoy to Syria, Ambassador Thomas J. Barrack, in Istanbul. The meeting followed their return from Damascus, where they held discussions with Syria's Minister of Communications and Information Technology and Minister of Finance. In both settings, the USSBC advocated for immediate relief targeting civilian connectivity, economic access, and broader digital inclusion.
In a series of announcements today, the U.S. Treasury Department declared the termination of the Syria Sanctions Program and the unblocking of hundreds of individuals and entities. Today's Executive Order also relaxes U.S. export restrictions on most U.S.-origin goods and technology other than munitions and defense articles. "Permanently lifting these restrictions removes one of the most visible and consequential barriers to Syria's digital and economic reintegration," said Jay Salkini, Founding Member of the USSBC. "This action sends a powerful message to the private sector that Syria is open for responsible business."
The USSBC had previously highlighted the need to remove Syriatel's designation. With Syriatel serving more than 10 million mobile subscribers—representing nearly half of Syria's 25 million citizens—the company's removal from the sanctions list will pave the way for needed rehabilitation work in Syria's telecom sector and enable easier access to faster, reliable internet for millions of Syrians. Restoring such access is critical not only to the country's economic recovery, but also to reintegrating Syria's entrepreneurs, students, and institutions into the global economy.
Today's sanctions relief affirms the U.S. government's commitment to enabling lawful commerce that supports civilian well-being and market-based reconstruction. The USSBC applauds this progress and will continue coordinating with stakeholders in both countries to ensure sustained momentum and facilitate private-sector entry points. Syria represents an emerging market with promising opportunities for U.S. business engagement. We encourage all U.S. companies to explore opportunities in Syria and to reach out to the Business Council should they need advice or guidance.
About the U.S.–Syria Business Council:
The USSBC is a non-partisan, nonprofit platform advancing transparent, compliant, and mutually beneficial trade and investment between the United States and Syria. Through engagement with policymakers, institutions, and commercial leaders, the Council provides strategic guidance to support economic recovery and long-term cooperation.
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SOURCE U.S.-Syria Business Council
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