Syria’s US terror delisting opens door to foreign investment

The US State Department removed Syria from its list of state sponsors of terrorism on Monday, following a notification to Congress by President Donald Trump in July. Syria had been on the blacklist since 1979 due to its military occupation of Lebanon and support for regional militant groups. Nassib Ghobril, chief economist at Byblos Bank in Beirut, described the move as a major step toward Syria's reintegration into the global financial system and a signal of growing diplomatic acceptance. Despite this, Syria remains on the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list for money laundering and terrorist financing. Analysts suggest the delisting acts as a green light for state-to-state investments and private capital, particularly from Gulf nations. Companies like DP World and investors such as Emaar founder Mohamed Alabbar have already committed to significant infrastructure and commercial projects in the country. While the economic outlook is improving, experts note that challenges remain for smaller entrepreneurs due to the country's difficult financial conditions and the ongoing FATF grey-list status.