U.S.-Syria Business Council Calls on American Companies to Lead in Syria's $1 Trillion Market at Concordia Summit During Historic Visit of President al-Sharaa

USSYBC participates in a closed-door roundtable with President al-Sharaa and top investors and business leaders at the Concordia Summit.

NEW YORK, Sept. 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The U.S.–Syria Business Council (USSYBC) is proud to serve as a Core Sponsor of the 15th Annual Concordia Summit, underscoring a momentous breakthrough in U.S.–Syria relations. President Ahmed al-Sharaa is making history as the first Syrian head of state to visit the United States and address the United Nations General Assembly in more than fifty years, signaling an unprecedented moment of reengagement after decades of diplomatic isolation.

President al‑Sharaa's participation at the Concordia Summit—the largest and most inclusive nonpartisan forum on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly—reflects a growing appetite for global partnership and dialogue. His visit represents more than a diplomatic gesture; it is a clear message to international stakeholders that Syria is open to economic engagement and responsible foreign investment.     

The U.S.–Syria Business Council remains at the forefront of this transition, championing economic integration, regulatory modernization, and bilateral trade built on transparency and compliance. In less than nine months, significant multi-billion dollar investment deals have been signed by countries and foreign investors. Over one million Syrian refugees have returned home, and international flights to Syria remain at capacity—a signal of public optimism and a nascent economic revival.

During his visit, President al-Sharaa held a private meeting with leaders of the Syrian-American community, including USSYBC board members and advisors, where he emphasized that Syria is not seeking handouts but partnerships. He reaffirmed that one of the nation's most valuable resources is its people—a vast network of highly educated, hardworking professionals and entrepreneurs across the globe ready to return and rebuild.

President al-Sharaa also participated in a closed-door roundtable with USSYBC representatives and business leaders alongside the Concordia Summit. He extended an open hand to businesses and foreign capital, contrasting his government's friendly posture towards foreign investments and open trade with the former Assad regime's. The President added that 1,150 new production lines have been installed in the past nine months, alongside the reopening of previously idle factories, in an effort to increase industrial output. He also confirmed his government's efforts to rebuild trust in State institutions and engage in legal reforms necessary to provide the forward-looking framework for open trade.

"The opportunity in Syria is real—and the window is now," said Jay Salkini, Chairman of the U.S.–Syria Business Council. "American businesses should lead—not follow. This is not just about rebuilding Syria; it's about ensuring that U.S. values and companies are embedded in the essential foundations of a country poised for long-term growth. American leadership at this moment is not just strategic."

Ahead of these engagements, the Council submitted a comprehensive policy letter to relevant U.S. government offices responsible for shaping trade, foreign policy, and economic strategy. The Council extends its appreciation to the Omran Center for Strategic Studies for their valued partnership in preparing this policy document. Their collaboration helped ensure the recommendations provided to U.S. officials reflect both on-the-ground economic realities and the broader strategic imperatives for Syria's lawful reintegration.

The document outlines a path forward for lawful U.S.–Syria economic engagement. It includes recommendations for removing outdated tariffs on civilian Syrian goods—particularly the 41% rates inherited from the prior regime—granting preferential access for U.S. companies, modernizing export controls, and repealing the Caesar Act, which remains a primary obstacle to foreign investment.

Additionally, the Council calls for accelerated reintegration of Syria's banking system into global financial networks and the establishment of U.S.-monitored Qualified Industrial Zones (QIZs) in partnership with regional allies. These QIZs would allow duty-free trade, fast-track U.S. exports, and embed American standards on labor, transparency, and compliance.

The Council emphasizes that American businesses must act decisively to secure an early position in Syria's estimated $1 trillion reconstruction market. As geopolitical competitors like China and Russia prepare to re-enter, the United States faces a strategic crossroads. Leadership now will ensure not only long-term commercial benefit but regional stability and a revival anchored in democratic economic values. This is not a call for charity—it is a call for strategic, lawful partnership.

As the weeklong Concordia Summit and UNGA engagements continue, the U.S.–Syria Business Council invites business leaders, policymakers, and prospective partners to engage with its delegation in New York. The Council is actively scheduling follow-up meetings and expanding its membership to advance its policy agenda and support Syria's reintegration into the global economy. Interested stakeholders are encouraged to connect with the delegation during the Summit or contact the USSYBC directly. Through strategic and compliant engagement, we can help build a foundation for mutual prosperity and long-term stability.

About the U.S.–Syria Business Council

The U.S.–Syria Business Council is the official non-profit body advancing lawful trade, investment, and commercial partnerships between the United States and Syria. Through compliance-focused initiatives, diplomatic engagement, and private sector facilitation, the Council drives economic reintegration and positions U.S. companies to lead responsibly in Syria's recovery.

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SOURCE U.S.-Syria Business Council