The Syrian economy witnessed a number of significant developments during the first days of September 2026, primarily focused on investment, trade, energy, the Damascus International Fair, and the exchange rate.
The Damascus International Fair Boosts Economic Activity
The 63rd Damascus International Fair was the most prominent economic event at the beginning of the month, with the participation of approximately 1,000 companies and entities from nearly 60 countries, amidst interest in investment and reconstruction opportunities in Syria.
The fair concluded its activities after ten days, announcing preliminary economic results exceeding 150 billion Syrian pounds, equivalent to more than one billion dollars, in addition to registering approximately 1.4 million visitors.
Discussions on Investments and Partnerships Expand
The fair transformed into a platform for establishing economic partnerships and discussing projects in various sectors, with a clear focus on production, investment, and reconstruction, indicating Syria's efforts to attract Arab and foreign capital.
Syrian-Turkish Trade Targets Higher Levels
The Syrian-Turkish economic file featured prominently during the exhibition, with Turkey announcing that trade volume between the two countries reached approximately $3.7 billion in 2025, and $2.2 billion in the first seven months of 2026, representing an increase of over 16% year-on-year.
Ankara also set a target of raising trade volume between Turkey and Syria to $10 billion in the coming period.
Syria Emerges as a Potential Energy and Trade Corridor
The week also witnessed a significant development concerning Syria's geographical location, after US President Donald Trump welcomed a report highlighting Syria's growing role as an alternative energy and trade corridor in the region, particularly given the disruption to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
This suggests the potential for increased importance of Syrian lands and ports in the movement of energy and goods between the Gulf, Iraq, and the Mediterranean, provided suitable security and investment conditions are in place.
Relative Stability in the Syrian Pound Exchange Rate
In the markets, the Syrian pound witnessed relative stability during the first days of September, with limited market fluctuations, while the Central Bank of Syria continued to issue its official exchange rate bulletins.
The Syrian economic landscape in the first week of September can be described as a week of investment and commercial activity rather than one of major economic decisions. The Damascus International Fair was the most prominent event, marked by broad international participation and new agreements and partnerships, coinciding with improved momentum in Syrian-Turkish trade and the emergence of Syria as a potential energy and regional trade route.
However, this does not mean that the Syrian economy has overcome its challenges. Investment and reconstruction remain contingent on an improved security and financial environment, currency stability, and the provision of infrastructure capable of absorbing new investments.
Zaman al-Wasl
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