Syria’s credit card comeback, Damascus International Fair fair mark return to global economy

The 63rd Damascus International Fair, themed “Syria Shines Again,” is underway, marking Syria's efforts to reintegrate into the global economy. The fair, which runs until September 4, features nearly 1,000 entities from approximately 60 countries. The initial business-focused days saw the signing of multiple agreements, including a memorandum of understanding between the Federation of Syrian Chambers of Commerce and the Federation of Iraqi Chambers of Commerce to boost trade and investment. Additionally, the Syrian Economy and Industry Ministry signed a deal with Saudi Arabia's Ethraa Holding Company to rehabilitate the General Company for Iron and Steel Products in Hama and another with Turkish firm iSRA to expand an industrial zone. Furthermore, Syria can now process credit card payments again, a symbolic step toward re-entry into the international system after years of isolation, as demonstrated by President Ahmed al-Sharaa using a Visa card in Old Damascus, a transaction impossible for over fifteen years.