A ship carrying 6,600 tonnes of wheat has arrived at Latakia port in Syria. This marks the first wheat delivery since the ousting of former President Bashar al-Assad in December. The Syrian government announced the arrival as part of its efforts to revive an economy devastated by almost 14 years of civil war.
Traders have noted that Syria has mostly been relying on overland imports from neighboring countries this year. The new government, led by interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa, is focusing on economic recovery. Officials state that while basic imports like wheat are not under U.S. or UN sanctions, securing financing for trade has been a challenge. This has made it hard for global suppliers to sell goods to Syria.
The shipment’s nationality was not disclosed, but a regional trader suggested it likely came from Russia. Historically, Russia and Iran have been Syria’s main supporters, providing essential supplies like wheat and oil. However, these deliveries stopped after opposition forces gained ground and al-Assad fled to Moscow.
Syria’s border authority sees this shipment as a sign of a new phase in the country’s economic recovery. They hope it will lead to more vital supplies arriving in the future. Al-Sharaa’s government is keen on improving the economy and is also working to reopen travel routes to Syria.
Most international airlines halted flights to and from Damascus in 2012 due to the ongoing violence. However, in January 2024, some airlines resumed operations at Damascus International Airport. Recently, a Syrian passenger flight took off for the United Arab Emirates, marking a significant step in restoring air travel.
A UN official emphasized that Syria should begin its recovery process without waiting for Western sanctions to be lifted. Abdallah Al Dardari, a regional chief at the UN Development Programme, urged for immediate projects that benefit citizens, especially in education and public services. He stressed the importance of quick improvements in daily life for the people.
While some countries, including the U.S., are cautious about lifting sanctions, they are open to targeted exemptions. The future of Syria’s economy depends on how the new government manages its power and human rights issues.