Damascus, July 13 (SANA)The first AnnualSyrian-American BusinessForum opened in Damascus on Monday, bringing together Syrian and U.S. officials, business leaders and investors to explore opportunities for expanding bilateral trade, investment and economic cooperation.

The forum, hosted at the Dama Rose Hotel, is organized bySyria’s Ministry of Economy and Industryin cooperation with the Syrian-American Business Council. It brings together representatives of government institutions and the private sector from both countries to discuss Syria’s economic recovery, investment opportunities and the government’s reform agenda.

Organizers said the event is intended to strengthen economic ties betweenSyria and the United Statesby encouraging private-sector partnerships, improving the investment climate and attracting international capital and expertise to support reconstruction and long-term development.

Addressing the opening session,Syrian-American Business Council Chairman Issam Ghreiwatidescribed the forum as a milestone in rebuilding economic relations between the two countries and a sign of growing confidence in Syria’s investment environment.

He said the gathering provides an opportunity for Syrian and American business leaders to meet in Damascus to discuss investment, innovation and economic development, adding thatSyria’s recoveryphase offers significant opportunities for investment and growth across a range of sectors.

Ghreiwati also said the forum comes at a pivotal moment, following U.S. President DonaldTrump’s decision to remove Syria from the U.S. list of state sponsors of terrorism, a move he said paves the way for broader economic engagement and a new chapter in bilateral cooperation.