Syria has introduced a new set of investment reforms allowing 100% foreign ownership of projects, a move officials say is aimed at attracting international capital and supporting economic growth.  The measure is included in Decree No. 114 of 2025, issued by President Ahmad al-Sharaa, which amends parts of the country’s investment law and removes previous requirements that foreign investors partner with local stakeholders.  Economist Zakwan Qreit of Damascus University said in a statement to SANA that the reform helps create a more transparent and flexible investment environment by providing clearer legal protections for investors and simplifying licensing procedures.  Qreit noted that the decree also allows investors to transfer profits and capital abroad in accordance with legal regulations, a provision expected to strengthen investor confidence and support foreign currency inflows.  The reform package includes tax and customs incentives, including full exemptions for projects in the agriculture and health sectors and tax reductions of up to 80% for export-oriented industrial projects aimed at boosting domestic production and exports.  The decree also permits companies to hire up to 40% foreign labor to address technical and managerial skills gaps, while maintaining a balance that preserves employment opportunities for Syrian workers.  Economic analyst Mohammad Qouja described the reforms as a significant step toward improving Syria’s investment climate, saying that allowing full foreign ownership without a mandatory local partner could help attract major international companies.  Analysts noted, however, that the success of the reforms will depend on improving infrastructure, stabilizing exchange rates and modernizing administrative procedures.  President al-Sharaa issued Decree No. 114 in July 2025, amending several provisions of Investment Law No. 18 of 2021.   (ICE BEIRUT)

Fonte notizia: Syrian Arab News Agency