Uzbekistan–Syria trade push: A Tashkent business forum brought together Syria’s top companies and Uzbekistan’s investment and trade leadership to move joint investment and practical B2B/B2G deals forward, with a Joint Economic and Trade Committee and plans for exhibitions in 2027. Iraq–Syria logistics bottleneck: A Syrian trade official says Iraqi border yards need paving and winter-ready infrastructure, plus faster crossing procedures, to cut delays and transport costs as Syria’s trade volumes rise. Kirkuk–Baniyas pipeline momentum: Syria’s energy minister says work is advancing to rehabilitate the Kirkuk–Baniyas oil corridor with Iraq and an international consortium, aiming for transit fees and priority oil purchases, with the project formalized via memoranda in Washington. Damascus legal/financial oversight: Syria’s control and inspection authority met Qatar’s Public Prosecution to exchange know-how on economic crimes, money-laundering investigations, and legal training—aimed at strengthening anti-corruption and oversight mechanisms. Energy affordability pressure: Syria’s fuel price hikes and protests continue to shape the economic agenda, with authorities signaling diesel price categories and limits to ease consumer strain. Regional investment angle: Reporting suggests Damascus is balancing limited terms with Russia while also engaging about 50 U.S. companies on investment, energy, telecoms, and financial services.