The Syria Britain Business Council (SBBC) launched in Damascus on 30th November 2025 at the Royal Semiramis Hotel following the successful sister launch in London on 13 November 2025.

The Damascus launch continued the momentum from London and attracted the interest of many, bringing together important stakeholders in the rebuilding of the Syrian private sector including regional ambassadors, other bilateral business councils and Syrian, British and international business leaders.

Jon Wilks CMG, Senior Advisor to the SBBC, welcomed all attendees and highlighted that the establishment of the SBBC as a member-led organization is a result of call from British businesses eager to do business in the region. He also noted that the SBBC logo represents the famous Damascene steel industry which illudes to the long history of Syrian craftmanship and entrepreneurship. Importantly he highlighted the endorsement from both the Syrian Government and the British Government of the SBBC’s initiative with the support of Baroness Nicholson of Winterbourne and David Taylor MP as Vice Presidents of the organisation.

Notably, the Syrian Minister of Economy and Foreign Trade, Dr. Mohammad Nidal Al-Shaa attended the launch and said that he is “grateful for the start of this wonderful cause” that will support the rebuilding of the Syrian private sector.

After a preliminary meeting with the SBBC in August, the Minister of Finance, Mohammed Yisr Barnieh attended the launch and commended the SBBC for its initiative and noted that the “SBBC acts as an important channel to connect businesses in the UK and Syria” and reinforced that the Ministry of Finance will “make work easier for the SBBC with future meetings”. Minister of Communications and Information Technology, Abdul Salam Haykal addressed attendees and congratulated the initiative highlighting that the SBBC’s initiative “is a new way of returning Syria to the international community” and perhaps the best alliance for Syria is that “with the British people”.

The Minister of Tourism, Mazen Al Salhani and Minister of Social and Labour Affairs Ms. Hind Kabawat also attended in support of the SBBC’s initiative.

As the Syria Britain Business Council aims to introduce more sector specific initiatives in the future, Ms. Sara Akbar, Partner at SBBC founding member Xergy and SBBC Executive Committee member, encouraged the development of the Energy sector in her speech. Ms. Akbar also reminded attendees of the major role women will play in the rebuilding of the Syrian private sector and hopes women will lead in establishing a “complete and coherent economic agenda and sustainable business environment.” Ms. Maya Malas, Partner at founding member EY and member of the SBBC Executive Committee, emphasized that the first goal is to rebuild Syria through “business collaboration”. Ms. Malas also expressed the importance of developing the Education and Heritage sectors to rebuild Syria’s workforce.

Mr. Raed Mahmoud, SBBC Executive Committee member, joined the event representing founding members, SABIS Group. Delegates from International law firm and SBBC founding member, Hogan Lovells, also travelled from the UK to attend the event. Their delegation was headed by SBBC Executive Committee member Mr. Ardil Salem.

Moving forward, the Syria Britain Business Council has identified several core preliminary principles and objectives, including:
- To fulfill its mandate as a private sector, member-led organisation with companies as decision makers.
- To be continuously on the ground in Syria, starting from January 2026.
- To align the priorities of the Syrian government with the Syrian private sector.
- To advocate for beat business practice and a healthy business environment with prestige British businesses as founding members such as EY, International law firm Hogan Lovells, and Zaha Hadid Architects setting an example.

Chairman of the SBBC Executive Committee Mounzer Nazha commented that “the mandate of the Syria Britain Business Council is to serve as a unique and strategic bridge for collaboration, forming business alliance, investment flows, and institutional coordination between Syrian and British economic actors. The Council prioritizes the needs of its members and is committed to balanced representation, accessibility, and mutual benefit for stakeholders in the British, Syrian and international markets.”

Christophe Michels, Managing Director of the SBBC, was “delighted to see such great attendance of more than 300 guests and strong interest to promote stronger business ties between the UK and Syria covering not only business but also education and culture.”