The Syria Report

Israeli military activity in southern Syria continues to escalate, with reports of incursions into villages in Quneitra and Daraa, the establishment of temporary checkpoints, home raids, and the detention of local residents. On Monday, Israeli settlers also illegally crossed into southern Syria, further heightening tensions in the border region. Read more: syria-report.com Written by: @Amesegura

The dismissal of Central Bank Governor AbdulQader Husrieh and the appointment of Safwat Raslan signal growing tensions within Syria’s leadership over monetary policy and institutional governance. The move comes amid ongoing economic instability and mounting pressure on state financial institutions. Read more: syria-report.com

President Ahmad Al-Sharaa announced Syria’s first post-Assad government reshuffle, replacing the ministers of Information and Agriculture along with several governors and appointing a new Secretary-General of the presidency. The changes, however, fell short of broader expectations for a major cabinet overhaul. Read more: syria-report.com

The European Council has officially reinstated the EU-Syria Cooperation Agreement following the lifting of measures suspended since 2011. The EU described the decision as an important step toward rebuilding bilateral relations and supporting Syria’s economic recovery. Read more: syria-report.com

Business leaders in Lattakia and Tartous are navigating the opportunities and challenges of post-Assad Syria as the country transitions toward a free market model. Key sectors, including tourism, agriculture, banking, shipping, construction, and trade, are adapting to new economic policies and governance structures. Writter by: @Amesegura Read more: syria-report.com

Visa and MasterCard have officially returned to Syria through the launch of the country’s first experimental electronic payment operations linked to global payment networks. The move marks a significant step in reconnecting Syria’s financial sector to international systems after 15 years of suspension. Read more: syria-report.com

Syria’s first Syrian-Emirati Investment Forum in Damascus revealed new details about the structure and assets of the Syrian Sovereign Fund (SSF), one of the country’s most influential economic institutions since its establishment in 2025. The forum highlighted growing regional investment interest in Syria’s evolving economy. Read more: syria-report.com

Syria has introduced new measures expanding the powers of governors on fiscal and educational matters as part of broader efforts to strengthen local administration. Read more: syria-report.com

Syria’s hospitality sector is witnessing renewed activity as Hyatt prepares to open its first property in Damascus alongside major real estate and tourism development projects. Read more: syria-report.com

Despite the tourism potential of Lattakia and Tartous, including Mediterranean coastlines, mountain landscapes, and historic landmarks, economic and security challenges continue to limit recovery prospects for Syria’s coastal tourism sector in 2026. Read more: syria-report.com @Amesegura

Syria’s oil sector is entering a new phase marked by expansion plans, foreign partnerships, internal institutional tensions, and continued reliance on Russian oil imports, highlighting the complexity of the country’s evolving energy landscape. Read more: syria-report.com

Al-Hasan Holding Group’s agreement with a Chinese firm to establish a cement plant in Raqqa highlights growing foreign interest in Syria’s industrial recovery. Will infrastructure and market conditions support long-term success? Read more: syria-report.com

Syria’s currency exchange sector is rapidly expanding following the easing of restrictions after the fall of the former regime. Previously tightly controlled, the market is now shifting toward a more open and flexible environment. Read more: syria-report.com

The World Food Programme will cut emergency assistance in Syria by 50% in May due to funding shortages, reducing support from 1.3 million to approximately 650,000 people. Read more: syria-report.com Written by: @Amesegura

Syria’s tobacco industry faces major setbacks, with around 80% of state-owned factories not fully operational due to conflict-related damage. Despite this, private investors are beginning to show renewed interest in the sector. Read more: syria-report.com Written by: @Amesegura

Qatari Estithmar Holding has acquired a 49% stake in Syria’s Shahba Bank. The group, part of Power International Holding, continues to expand its footprint across multiple sectors and international markets. Read more: syria-report.com

Syria’s Central Bank issued four new decisions this week to regulate the foreign exchange market and tighten liquidity control. The move comes amid ongoing depreciation of the Syrian pound and continued restrictions on withdrawals due to liquidity shortages. Read more: syria-report.com

A wave of protests across Syria reflects growing social and economic grievances, driven by declining purchasing power, deteriorating public services, and governance concerns. Read more: syria-report.com

Anas Joud, Head of the Lattakia Chamber of Commerce and Industry, highlights investment opportunities, calls for a medium-sized industrial city, and stresses the need to protect local manufacturers. Written by: @Amesegura Read more: syria-report.com

Syria participated in the 2026 IMF–World Bank Spring Meetings in Washington, marking continued re-engagement with international financial institutions after years of isolation. Read more: syria-report.com