Syria and Jordan Reopen Economic Channels After Years of Isolation By Rizik Alabi/The Media Line [Damascus] Syrian and Jordanian business leaders convened in Damascus last week for the launch of the Syrian-Jordanian Economic Forum, signaling a revival of economic ties between the neighboring countries after more than a decade of disruption. Held at the Seven […]
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The Media Line: Syria and Jordan Reopen Economic Channels After Years of Isolation
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Syria and Jordan Reopen Economic Channels After Years of Isolation
By Rizik Alabi/The Media Line
[Damascus] Syrian and Jordanian business leaders convened in Damascus last week for the launch of the Syrian-Jordanian Economic Forum, signaling a revival of economic ties between the neighboring countries after more than a decade of disruption. Held at the Seven Gates Hotel and organized by the Federation of Syrian Chambers of Commerce in coordination with the Jordan Chamber of Commerce, the forum reflects growing momentum for cooperation in the wake of recent diplomatic and economic shifts, including the easing of Western sanctions on Syria.
Once strong trade partners due to shared borders and interlinked markets, Syria and Jordan saw their economic relationship all but collapse during the Syrian civil war and under international sanctions. With regional dynamics now shifting, both countries appear eager to rebuild a partnership rooted in economic recovery and reconstruction.
More than 42 Jordanian companies attended the forum, representing sectors ranging from infrastructure and manufacturing to finance and energy. The Jordanian delegation, led by President of the Jordan Chamber of Commerce Senator Khalil Al-Haj Tawfiq, held meetings with Syrian officials, including Alaa Al-Ali, president of the Federation of Syrian Chambers of Commerce.
Al-Haj Tawfiq told The Media Line that the visit was “the first real engagement between private sector institutions in both countries in nearly 14 years.” He added, “This stage marks a period of resurgence, dignity, and elevated ambition, and the Jordanian economic sector stands by its Syrian brothers in addressing many challenges and turning the page on estrangement with the Arab region.”
The gathering is seen as an early step toward deeper cooperation that could extend beyond trade to joint ventures in reconstruction, industrial development, and regional supply chains. Observers say the event lays the groundwork for more integrated economic policies between Syria and Jordan.
With Syria aiming to rebuild after years of conflict, Jordanian expertise and products could play a critical role, provided the two countries can create a favorable legal and regulatory climate for investors. The future of this partnership, leaders said, will depend on sustained communication, supportive infrastructure, and legal guarantees that boost investor confidence.
The forum comes as several Arab countries move to normalize ties with Damascus following Syria’s return to the Arab League in 2023. While US sanctions on the Assad government remain in place, exceptions and easing of restrictions in specific sectors have created new opportunities for regional engagement.