Speaking at the opening of the Damascus International Fair, Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa said that the lifting of sanctions had ushered his country into a period of construction, reconstruction and development.
Al-Sharaa said the 63rd Damascus International Fair reflected the goal of transforming Syria into a bridge between markets in the East and West, a trade corridor and an economic hub.
Al-Sharaa delivers message on long-term development
Commenting on the lifting of sanctions, Al-Sharaa said the removal of obstacles was not the end of the process but rather the beginning of a long and sustainable path.
Al-Sharaa said Syria would move forward on this path with the goals of dignity, reconstruction, development and civilization.
Al-Sharaa said they wanted Syria to become an economic center again, adding that they aimed for the country to bridge markets and become a hub where the economic interests of the East and West intersect.
Participation from 60 countries at Damascus Fair
Al-Sharaa described the Damascus International Fair as an event representing Syria's economic memory and its window to the world. He said participation at the fair demonstrated the Syrian people's confidence in themselves and the world's confidence in Syria and its people.
About 1,000 organizations representing nearly 60 countries took part in the fair's events, which began on Wednesday and were planned to continue through September 4.
The fair opened as part of the Syrian government's efforts to revive the economy, attract investment and develop commercial cooperation with foreign countries and companies.
Syria's sanctions status changes
The U.S. Treasury Department announced on Monday that Syria had been removed from the designation of a "state sponsor of terrorism." The move followed U.S. President Donald Trump's commitments to issue exemptions related to the sanctions.
The United States added Syria to the list in 1979. Syria was included on the grounds that it had repeatedly supported groups that Washington classified as terrorist organizations.
History of the Damascus International Fair
First held in 1954, the Damascus International Fair is considered one of the Middle East's oldest international fairs. More than 2.2 million visitors attended the previous event held at the fair.
