British businesspeople and companies are looking to invest in vital sectors in Syria, a prospect discussed at the first conference of the Syria Britain Business Council (SBBC), held in early July in Damascus with the participation of businesspeople and political and parliamentary figures from the United Kingdom.
Mounzer Nazha, Chairman of the SBBC Executive Committee, told Enab Baladi today, Saturday, July 4, that the participation of British companies and businesspeople reflects an interest in exploring the Syrian market and discussing opportunities for cooperation in several sectors. He said the participation of members of the British Parliament represents support for economic dialogue between the two sides.
British MPs Charlie Dewhirst, Alan Gemmell, and Melanie Ward participated in the conference, along with Charlotte Leslie, director of the Conservative Middle East Council (CMEC), Miran Hassan, founder and director of the Labour Middle East Council (LMEC), and Simon Collis, the last British ambassador to Syria.
According to Nazha, the conference carries a core message that includes serious British interest in returning to economic engagement with Syria, but in a practical and carefully considered way, a desire to understand the Syrian market and assess opportunities, and the goal of building partnerships in specific sectors.
Sectors Proposed for Investment
The conference sessions focused on the energy, finance, transport and logistics, infrastructure, education, and tourism sectors.
The energy sector is a priority, according to Nazha, because it is directly linked to economic recovery, while the tourism sector holds significant opportunities given Syria’s historical, cultural, and natural assets, which could attract investment and revive economic activity.
The transport and logistics sector is also essential because of Syria’s geographic location and its potential role as a regional link.
The Syria Britain Business Council was established by a decision from Syrian Minister of Economy and Industry Nidal al-Shaar in December 2025. It operates under the basic statute for joint Syrian business councils, according to the official Syrian news agency SANA.
Challenges and Solutions
British companies seeking to enter the Syrian market may face a set of challenges, Nazha told Enab Baladi. These include the clarity of laws and procedures, financial transfers, customs clearance, insurance, contracts, and investor protection.
He explained that “British companies need a clear and predictable business environment, as well as accurate information on projects, reliable local partners, and less complicated administrative procedures.”
Asked whether Syria needs to complete economic or legislative reforms to turn the conference outcomes into actual investment projects, Nazha said what is needed is facilitating investment procedures, accelerating licensing, clarifying laws, protecting investors, and developing mechanisms to resolve commercial disputes.
Improving the banking system, modernizing customs, and facilitating the movement of goods and equipment are also necessary to turn the interest shown at the conference into actual projects, according to Nazha.
The priority for the British side, according to Nazha, is facilitating the movement of companies, goods, and documents. This includes express mail, shipping, customs clearance, and transport.
British Participants: Supporting Growth
British Labour MP Alan Gemmell said the conference comes as part of supporting development and economic recovery efforts in Syria, saying the private sector can play a role in stimulating economic growth.
For her part, British MP Melanie Ward said the discussions addressed mechanisms to support economic recovery and prepare the investment environment.
British Government Guidance Note
The conference comes months after the British government issued a guidance note in December for companies, banks, and aid organizations, clarifying the legal and regulatory framework for investment in Syria.
The UK Treasury said at the time that British companies had expressed interest in exploring business opportunities in Syria, but had requested greater clarity on the legal frameworks and policies governing investment.
The ministry confirmed that it supports investments that comply with British legislation and sanctions regulations, while holding companies responsible for assessing risks and putting appropriate controls in place. It warned of risks linked to Syria’s business environment, including the possibility that sanctioned entities could use methods to circumvent trade restrictions.
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