“The 63rd Damascus International Fair opened its doors to the general public on Saturday for its fourth day at the Damascus Fairgrounds, following the conclusion of three days dedicated exclusively to business and investment programs,” Syria’s state media SANA said this weekend.
The fair is important, and Syrian sources said that more than 60 countries are attending or represented in some way. "The initial three days of the 63rd Damascus International Fair, dedicated exclusively to business representatives, investors, and official delegations, concluded with the signing of multiple agreements and memoranda of understanding spanning trade, industrial, and investment sectors,” SANA added.
The report said that the Federation of Syrian Chambers of Commerce had signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Federation of Iraqi Chambers of Commerce to boost trade, stimulate commercial exchange, and encourage joint investments in Syrian and Iraqi business communities.
“Economic expert Muhammad Koussa noted that the agreement helps transition bilateral economic relations toward project-based partnerships and expanded market access,” it said.
In addition, Syria’s Ministry of Economy and Industry signed an MoU with Saudi Arabia’s Ethraa Holding Company to rehabilitate, modernize, and operate the General Company for Iron and Steel Products in Hama. There was also a deal with Turkish firm iSRA to expand an industrial zone.
SANA added that the fair is running under the theme “Syria Shines Again. SANA added that “the fair features nearly 1,000 participating entities representing approximately 60 countries, and will continue welcoming public visitors through September 4.”
Syria can now process credit card payments again
Meanwhile, Syria can once again process credit card payments now that sanctions have ended. This small daily detail is important and symbolizes Syria's re-entry into the international system after years of isolation.
A new Syrian government social media account, Syria Response, posted a video of Syria’s president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, using his card at a restaurant. “Will that be cash or credit, Mr. President?”
The report says that “President Ahmed al-Sharaa pays with a Visa card in the heart of Old Damascus, joined by Central Bank Governor Mohammed Safwat Raslan. For more than 15 years, this simple transaction was impossible.”