Abdul Qader Tahan, head of the Syrian Exporters Council, described the repeal of the U.S. Caesar Act as a pivotal moment that highlights Syria’s resilience and diplomatic progress, marking the beginning of a new phase of comprehensive economic recovery and growth.
Tahan stated that the removal of sanctions will lead to tangible positive shifts, including the return of foreign investment, smoother financial transfers, and revitalization of key sectors such as energy, healthcare, and construction.
He added that the lifting of restrictions will accelerate export growth and allow Syrian products to regain presence in traditional markets, while also opening access to new international markets previously difficult to reach due to high competition and regulatory barriers, according to the Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) on Saturday.
Regarding the council’s role moving forward, Tahan explained that it is focusing on supporting economic revival by streamlining procedures, improving the quality of Syrian-made goods, and advancing digital transformation. These efforts aim to help exporters reclaim their regional and global standing through a strategy based on efficiency and added value.
He called on manufacturers and producers to join the council and actively participate in shaping the country’s next economic chapter, emphasizing that Syrians are building their future independently and that Syrian products will continue to represent the nation’s ambitions and economic resurgence.
The U.S. Congress originally passed the Caesar Act in January 2019 to sanction the Syrian government over alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity. It took effect in June 2020.
The U.S. Senate voted in favor of repealing the act on November 10 as part of the Defense Department’s budget bill, followed by the House of Representatives on December 10. However, the bill returned to the Senate due to unrelated amendments and was finally approved in its final form two days ago.
President Donald Trump signed the 2026 Defense Department budget into law on Thursday, which includes a provision fully repealing the Caesar Act, making it officially nullified.