Syrian president says sanctions lift opens 'new phase'

Syria's President Ahmad al-Sharaa declared on Wednesday that the country has entered a new phase of reconstruction and development following the recent lifting of US sanctions, addressing thousands of attendees at the opening of the 63rd Damascus International Fair with a sweeping vision of Syria as a renewed economic bridge between East and West.

US removes Syria from terrorism sponsor list

The US Treasury Department announced on Monday that it had officially removed Syria from the list of state sponsors of terrorism, fulfilling commitments made by the Trump administration to provide comprehensive sanctions relief. Washington first designated Damascus as a sponsor in 1979 under then-President Hafez al-Assad, repeatedly accusing the government of providing support to groups the US classified as terrorist organizations during the decades-long diplomatic standoff that isolated the Syrian economy from global markets.

'Syria Rises Again'

Speaking at the inauguration of the historic trade fair — established in 1954 as one of the Middle East's oldest commercial exhibitions — Sharaa described the gathering as "Syria's economic memory and its window to the world," bringing together business representatives from nearly 60 countries. "After the obstacles were removed and sanctions lifted, we have not yet reached the end. We are at the beginning of a long and sustainable road defined by dignity, revival, reconstruction, development and civilization," he said, according to the official Syrian Arab News Agency SANA.

The president added that the fair's reopening carried "great significance" as an opportunity for Syrians and the international community to "write a new chapter of history, revive hope from beneath the rubble and come together after years of separation." He envisioned Syria becoming "a beacon for its economy, a bridge between markets, a corridor for trade and a center where the interests of East and West converge," stating: "Damascus has historically been where major stories begin, and today we stand here to begin a new story -- the story of a country that has regained its will and a people who have regained their freedom."

International fair seeks investment

The 63rd Damascus International Fair opened under the theme "Syria Rises Again" with approximately 1,000 participating entities representing diverse economic sectors. The event will continue through September 4, with organizers hoping to attract significant international investment to help rebuild the war-torn economy and restore Syria's position as a regional commercial hub. The previous edition of the fair drew more than 2.2 million visitors, according to SANA.