Government strategy on private sector
Syria has a new government looking to facilitate external private investment and expedite public sector reform.
Strong demand for UK business
Syria offers a market which values British goods and services.
Contact UK Export Finance (UKEF) about trade finance and insurance cover for UK companies. You can also check the current UKEF cover position for Syria.
An influential diaspora
The rapid return of Syrians to the country after over a decade of war is enhancing potential economic output.
Top five UK goods exported to Syria , in the four quarters to the end of Q2 2025
| Goods | Value (£ million ) |
|---|---|
| Dairy products & eggs | |
| Specialised machinery (capital) | |
| Medicinal & pharmaceutical products | |
| General industrial machinery (capital) | |
| Plastics in non-primary forms |
Source:
ONS Trade in goods: country-by-commodity exports
Last updated: June 2025
Download the latest trade and investment factsheet for Syria.
Total import value (into the UK from Syria) and export value (from the UK into Syria) over time
| Year | Imports (£ million ) | Exports (£ million ) | Total trade (£ million ) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 9.0 | 11.0 | 20.0 |
| 2017 | 7.0 | 62.0 | 69.0 |
| 2018 | 4.0 | 16.0 | 20.0 |
| 2019 | 2.0 | 17.0 | 19.0 |
| 2020 | 0.0 | 3.0 | 3.0 |
| 2021 | 4.0 | 3.0 | 7.0 |
| 2022 | 0.0 | 11.0 | 11.0 |
| 2023 | 0.0 | 1.0 | 1.0 |
| 2024 | 0.0 | 4.0 | 4.0 |
Source:
ONS UK total trade: all countries, seasonally adjusted
Last updated: April 2025
Total trade is the sum of all exports and imports over the same time period.
Download the latest trade and investment factsheet for Syria.
Syria: at a glance
Economic growth
3.4%
Actual figure (IMF, 2010)
The UK is 2.2% (IMF, 2010, actual figure)
GDP per capita
$2,807
Actual figure (IMF, 2010)
The UK is $39,642 (IMF, 2010, actual figure)
Currency
Syrian Pound
Business language
Arabic
Time zone
GMT +3
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Opportunities for exporters
Syria’s economy is set to grow - a marked shift after years of decline. Short-term opportunities centre around large-scale deals with the Government of Syria or its representatives addressing urgent needs in the country. Such investments should encounter fewer obstacles with respect to financial transactions. Sectors in this category include oil and gas, and infrastructure, such as electricity, water, transportation, financial services, and telecommunications.
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Syria’s economy in general and particularly the energy sector is heavily dependent on oil. Contact ditmeap.enquiries@fcdo.gov.uk for more information on oil and gas opportunities.
Oil and gas
Syria’s oil and gas fields have been neglected, poorly maintained, and in some cases damaged. Crude production is much lower than it once was, and a redeveloped oil and gas sector will help improve Syria’s economy and recovery. There are opportunities for UK companies to support operations and supply chains, including drilling, maintenance, and supply of equipment.
Renewable energy
Syria has set a goal to generate 10% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030. A broad range of potential opportunities exists as Syria explores wind and solar energy in particular to reduce its dependence on fossil fuels. UK manufacturing and expertise in this sector can help achieve this target.
Power supply networks
Syria’s electricity generation capacity was severely impacted by the conflict. The Syrian energy ministry is seeking to rehabilitate Syria’s electricity networks, and UK companies can play a important role in supplying substations, servicing, and equipment.
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Syria’s infrastructure needs significant reconstruction and renewal following over a decade of conflict. Companies can play a role in the design and construction of critical national infrastructure to help redevelop the broader economy.
Water
The Syrian government has affirmed its commitment to expanding desalination projects in-country to provide drinking-water and wastewater networks. UK water engineering companies with experience in the region are well-placed to support Syrian efforts to design and implement more efficient and resilient water infrastructure.
Residential and non-residential buildings
UK construction equipment is already being used in Syria – the scale of the rebuild will require British machinery, design, and construction expertise.
Telecommunications
Syria’s telecommunications market needs significant investment and reconstruction. Syrian authorities are likely to welcome the involvement of UK businesses in these projects given UK expertise in this sector.
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There is a demand in Syria for UK defence, cyber and physical security sector equipment and expertise. You must contact the Export Control Joint Unit to check your goods are meeting legal requirements for export.
Private security
With a growing number of UK companies looking to enter the Syrian market, there are opportunities for security firms to provide logistics, security wrap-around, and close protection solutions to ensure trade and business can function safely.
Supply of equipment
There are opportunities in the supply of British advanced equipment and technologies to improve national security and public safety in Syria. This includes strong digital infrastructure and cyber services to support the government’s redevelopment efforts.
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The conflict has led to a significant shortage of medical and healthcare produce and expertise in Syria.
Building hospitals
Extensive damage to health infrastructure and hospitals needs UK skills and expertise to rebuild Syria’s health sector.
Medical equipment and training
UK businesses that provide training for and usage of specialist medical equipment have a unique offer to the Syrian Ministry of Health and the wider health sector.
Pharmaceuticals
The small but growing pipeline of UK pharmaceutical products, including generic brands, can be expanded given the demand for safe and reliable medicine in Syria.
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Syria’s financial services industry is underdeveloped and requires significant reform.
Advisory
UK companies have an opportunity to advise the Syrian government on banking sector reform and financial services regulation.
Banking
Investment banking solutions will help meet the needs of global clients operating in Syria across various industry sectors, as well as local financing demands.
Capacity building
Opportunities for UK companies to assist with the new currency, budgeting reform and capacity building. This will help impact gold reserves and currency exchange, facilitating more international investment.
Check for trade barriers
Trade barriers, such as tariffs or taxes, can raise costs, cause delays, or even stop you from exporting. Check for any issues that may impact your business when exporting.
Check duties and customs
Find information on how to export goods from the UK. View the duties, rules, restrictions, and the documents you need for your products.
Doing business in Syria
Preparing to export
Risk
The Syrian market is challenging. Growth remains stymied by an outdated financial system and a fragile security environment. It’s more suited to medium to large sized companies with the capability and risk appetite to succeed in a tough market. You must have a proven track record in the Middle East and North Africa region to be likely to succeed here.
Establishing a business
The principal options to establish a business in Syria are to:
- participate in a local Syria company or entity (for example, joint venture)
- establish a branch office
- appoint a trusted and well-connected commercial agent or distributor
Contact ditmeap.enquiries@fcdo.gov.uk for more information on Syrian business, trade and investment opportunities.
Investment
The Syrian treasury is nearly empty, meaning financial risks with respect to large projects will likely sit with private sector investors. However, the Syrian Government updated their Investment Law in 2025 to support revitalising the economy resulting in:
- the Syrian Investment Authority (SIA) being detached from the Ministry of Economy and brought under the control of the Presidency
- better guarantees on property rights
- the creation of new investor service centres (one stop shops) with streamlined licensing processes
- the expansion of tax and customs incentives across sectors such as agriculture, tourism, and transport
- greater security for investors due to the improvement of legal safeguards with arbitration options aligned with international standards
Legal considerations
You must comply with UK sanctions on business activity. Consult the sanctions guidance before doing business and seek in-country legal counsel on the best approach to doing business in Syria.
It is the responsibility of UK businesses to fully determine the extent of their specific risk exposure, and to develop an appropriate set of safeguards and controls tailored to their particular circumstances.
In April 2025, the UK lifted sanctions on some sectors including trade, finance, transport (aviation) and energy production whilst maintaining sanctions that continue to hold Assad and his associates to account. The UK also lifted sanctions on organisations previously linked to the Assad regime, including the Central Bank of Syria, the Syrian Ministry of Defence and Interior, key energy companies and media companies. These changes were intended to help facilitate essential investment into Syria and support the Syrian people to rebuild their country and economy. The Government of Syria itself, including its ministries, is not designated under the UK Syria sanctions regimes or the UK counter terrorism sanctions regimes.
Security considerations
The security situation in Syria remains volatile and dangerous after over a decade of conflict and insecurity. Some areas within Syria are not under the control of the Syrian government, including northeast Syria and Suwayda province in southern Syria. Businesses should take this into account alongside UK travel advice for Syria when considering establishing operations.
Companies looking to reduce risks to entering the Syrian market by arranging an appropriate level of private security and insurance may wish to contact The Security in Complex Environments Group (SCEG). SCEG is a grouping of security companies who can privately provide in-country services for the private sector.
Regional partnerships
The Gulf, Turkey, Lebanon and other countries in the Levant serve as potential gateways to Syria for larger companies based there, including UK companies unable to travel to Syria. However, Syrians emphasise the importance of being present in Syria to do business.
Operating in Syria
Intellectual property (IP)
Syria is a signatory to the:
- Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property
- World Intellectual Property Organizations Convention
- Arab Agreement for the Protection of Copyrights
Enforcement of IP rights is challenging in Syria.
Standards and technical regulations
Syria is a member of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). The Syrian Arab Organization for Standardization and Metrology (SASMO) has responsibility for quality control and standardisation issues.
Business behaviour
The official language of Syria is Arabic.
The working week is Sunday to Thursday.
The Islamic dress code is not compulsory, but it’s advisable for women to dress conservatively.
Entry requirements and travel advice
Go to FCDO travel advice for entry requirements and travel advice to Syria. FCDO currently advises against all travel to Syria due to unpredictable security conditions and the threat of terrorist attacks.
Consular support is not available from the British government from within Syria. The FCDO may become aware of support provided by other organisations which can be shared with British nationals. If you need help, call the FCDO in London on +44 (0)20 7008 5000.
If you choose to travel against FCDO advice, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency. Have robust security arrangements and contingency plans in place.
You must have a visa to travel to Syria.
If you choose to travel to Syria against FCDO advice, ensure you have the right visa or you may be refused entry. You can apply for a visa and check the status of your application on the Syria's visa website.
It currently takes about 5 to 7 days for a visa application to be processed and a decision to be made. Note these times may vary. Contact the relevant interim Syrian authorities for further information.
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