Syria: Practical Notes for Early Market Entry
We’ve seen a surge in Syria-related inquiries this quarter, mainly from firms exploring whether a return or first-time entry is viable. Most are not rushing in. They’re testing the ground, asking what’s possible... and what can go wrong.
Here’s the same framework we use before any deployment, payment, or local engagement.
Practical “Go/No-Go” Checklist
- 1. Legal: Get a written counsel opinion covering U.S., EU, UK, and Canadian sanctions. Cross-check against UK HMG Syria guidance and EU Official Journal listings for your counterparties.
- 2. Counterparty: Identify beneficial owners, security ties, and human-rights flags. Run names through SDN and consolidated sanctions lists – refresh within 48 hours before any deal.
- 3. Banking: Confirm fund routeability. Make sure your correspondent bank will process payments. Pre-agree offshore escrow if there’s any doubt.
- 4. Movement: Re-check Jordan crossing rules and airport status 24 hours before travel. Keep alternates ready… Amman staging, Beirut or Erbil if feasible.
- 5. Duty of Care: Prepare a satellite-comms declaration plan, medevac contract, 24/7 GSOC support, venue audit, and movement tracking. Avoid overnights beyond vetted zones… Richard Doyle SRMC® and Hannah Piercy SRMC® can help you here – reach them directly.
- 6. Trigger Board:
A) Airport Closure
B) Israeli or Turkish strike within 15km
C) Curfew or raids
D) Bank de-risking notice
E) Government directive restricting foreign comms gear
What We’d Do This Month if Entering or Expanding...
- Pick compliant channels: Focus on UN/INGO early-recovery tenders (power, water, health).
- Stage in Amman: Store inventory in bonded facilities; drop in for short windows...
- Keep exposure light: Use service contracts with exit rights; lease over buy; invoice in hard currency.
- Invest in compliance ops: Build KYC/EDD playbooks and human-rights due-diligence now.
- Track FX: Convert only at point of need; keep USD/EUR reserves offshore.
Again… happy to advise on what that actually looks like and how to implement it – hit me up Scott Wilcox
Final Cautions for Decision Makers
- Sanctions and recognition remain the biggest swing factors. Many 2025 web updates claim sweeping changes, inconsistently, and inaccurately. Always verify directly via primary sources (EU OJ, OFAC Recent Actions, UK OFSI) before acting.
- Treat deployments as expeditionary. Pre-brief staff on comms/device rules, contact with security forces, photo restrictions, and exfil plans.
- Focus effort on short-cycle, low-capex, high-compliance work linked to humanitarian or early-recovery programs. Keep exposure small until connectivity and regulatory clarity improve.
Syria is not “open for business,” but selective opportunities exist for those who prepare, verify, and operate with discipline. Our role is to make sure those decisions are informed and not improvised.
Contact us today to book a consultation