Damascus, Sept. 14 (SANA)A U.S. Chamber of Commerce delegation comprising representatives of 50 companies and more than 80 participants from a range of sectors is holding a series of ministerial meetings in Damascus on Monday, in the latest sign of expanding economic engagement between Syria and the United States.

The meetings are being organized by the International Cooperation and American Affairs departments at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates and are scheduled to continue throughout the day.

Steve Lutes,vice president for Middle East Affairs at theU.S. Chamber of Commerce,said the visit marked the first U.S. Chamber mission to Syria.

“This is the first U.S. Chamber of Commerce mission to visit Syria, and it includes 50 companies and more than 80 delegates from various sectors,” Lutes said.

He said the delegation had seen firsthand the determination of Syria’s leadership, represented by PresidentAhmad al-Sharaa, to create a business-focused environment that supports and welcomes investment.

Lutes added that the visit reflected the strength of U.S.-Syrian relations and their renewed momentum following U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to lift sanctions on Syria.

The United States terminated its comprehensive Syria sanctions program in 2025 while maintaining targeted sanctions on deposed regime figures and other designated actors.

The U.S. Chamber has previously highlighted Syria’s reconstruction needs, strategic location and potential opportunities for American companies.

The Damascus meetings are expected to focus on investment, trade and potential cooperation between Syrian institutions and U.S. companies.