Britain on Tuesday released new guidelines for companies and financial institutions exploring investment opportunities in Syria, as interest grows following the rollback of some Western sanctions aimed at supporting reconstruction.
Syria is working to rebuild after the fall of former president Bashar al-Assad last December. The regime change has led the UK and the United States to relax certain restrictions and encourage firms to assess potential business involvement.
In its guidance, the UK government acknowledged the commercial prospects and said it supports investment, trade, and business operations in Syria, provided they fully comply with British laws and the activities are genuinely intended for the Syrian market.
The advisory highlights the need to follow sanctions rules, export controls, and anti-money laundering regulations, and details available licensing pathways, including broad licences and humanitarian exceptions.
London also cautioned investors about significant risks, such as corruption and sanctions evasion.
The UK lifted sector-based sanctions in April, reopening sectors including energy, transportation, and finance. The U.S. ended its Syria sanctions programme in June through new waivers, and the EU has similarly relaxed some reconstruction-related measures.
According to the World Bank, rebuilding Syria could cost around $216 billion — described as a conservative estimate.
Click here for more on Business
