Damascus Stock Exchange Reopens After Assad’s Ouster

Trading resumed Monday on the Damascus Securities Exchange following a six-month suspension, marking a symbolic step in Syria’s effort to rebuild its economy after the ousting of former President Bashar Assad.

The exchange had been closed amid the turmoil that led to Assad’s removal during a swift rebel offensive late last year. The reopening, led by Syria’s new leadership, is seen as a signal of cautious economic recovery after nearly 14 years of civil war.

Syrian Finance Minister Mohammed Yisr Barnieh attended the reopening ceremony and told state media that the exchange will now operate as a private company with a strong focus on digital transformation. He added that the government intends to “facilitate business operations and open doors to promising investment opportunities.”

The reopening coincides with a broader shift in Syria’s economic landscape. Last month, the United States and European nations lifted sweeping sanctions imposed during the Assad regime, easing restrictions on Syria’s financial system.

In a major sign of renewed foreign investment, Syria recently signed a $7 billion energy deal with a consortium of Qatari, Turkish, and U.S. firms. The agreement includes plans for four combined-cycle gas turbines with a capacity of 4,000 megawatts and a 1,000-megawatt solar power plant, aimed at reviving the country’s war-damaged electricity infrastructure.

The project will be led by Qatar’s UCC Concession Investments, Power International USA, and Turkish firms Kalyon GES Enerji Yatirimlari and Cengiz Enerji.

Officials say the reopening of the stock market is part of a larger strategy to attract capital, modernize Syria’s financial sector, and drive long-term recovery.