Archive · 5 Dec 2025
Syria's economy grows faster than expected as sanctions ease
Syria's economy is growing faster than expected, according to the country's central bank governor.
The World Bank had predicted only 1% growth for 2025, but the governor says the return of 1.5 million refugees will boost the economy.
The U.S. has eased some sanctions, and the governor expects them to be fully repealed by the end of 2025.
This will help Syria's banks work with other countries.
Syria is also planning to launch a new currency and is working with Visa and Mastercard to create a digital payment system.
The goal is to make Syria a financial hub for the Middle East.
Syria's economy is growing faster than the World Bank's 1% estimate for 2025, driven by the return of 1.5 million refugees.
The U.S. has partially eased sanctions, with full repeal expected by the end of 2025, which will help Syrian banks work with international partners.
Syria is preparing to launch a new currency with eight denominations and removing two zeroes to restore confidence in the Syrian pound.
The country is ending decades of central bank financing of government budget deficits to restore confidence in public finances.
Syria has partnered with Visa and Mastercard to develop a digital payments ecosystem, aiming to become a financial hub for the Levant.
- Who
- Syrian central bank governor AbdulKader Husrieh
- What
- Syria's economy is growing faster than expected, with plans for a new currency and financial hub
- When
- The U.S. Treasury extended sanctions enforcement on November 10, with full repeal expected by the end of 2025
- Where
- Syria, with discussions and plans involving the U.S. and international organizations
- Why
- Due to the easing of U.S. sanctions, the return of refugees, and efforts to rebuild the economy
- Central Bank Governor
- AbdulKader Husrieh
- Expected GDP Growth
- Faster than World Bank's 1% estimate for 2025
- Refugees Returning
- 1.5 million
- New Currency Launch
- Eight denominations, removing two zeroes
- Sanctions Status
- Partial easing, full repeal expected by end of 2025
- Digital Payment Partners
- Visa and Mastercard
- Economic Data Partner
- International Monetary Fund
