Trade between China and Syria has expanded sharply in 2026, with Chinese economic activity in the Syrian market gaining momentum amid growing efforts to attract foreign investment and strengthen bilateral business ties.

Syrian imports from China reached approximately $669.9 million in the first six months of 2026, already surpassing the total value of Chinese exports to Syria throughout 2025, which stood at about $668 million.

The rise in trade comes as Chinese-linked industrial investments begin to emerge in Syria, signalling renewed interest in the country’s market and potential for joint economic projects.

In Damascus, Syria’s Federation of Chambers of Commerce has stepped up efforts to attract Chinese investors, holding discussions on investment opportunities, potential partnerships and joint projects in the Syrian market.

Federation head, Alaa al-Ali, met with Chinese investors to explore areas for cooperation and ways to strengthen links between Syrian and Chinese business communities.

According to the federation, al-Ali said it was encouraging foreign companies to enter the Syrian market by providing information on available opportunities and connecting foreign investors with local businesses.

The latest engagement forms part of wider efforts by Damascus to attract foreign capital and rebuild economic ties with international partners.

Meanwhile, Syria’s chargé d’affaires in China, Mohammad Zakaria Lababidi, held talks with Lin Honghong, deputy director-general of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT), on September 25.

The meeting focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation, particularly in the economic and trade sectors.

The developments point to growing commercial engagement between Beijing and Damascus, with trade, industrial investment and private-sector partnerships emerging as key areas of potential cooperation.