After long years of rule under the Assad family, where trading in foreign currencies, particularly the American dollar, was strictly prohibited and reserved for companies close to the regime, a wind of change is blowing over Damascus. Today, dollar exchanges are once again permitted, bringing hope for economic stability and a reduction in the prices of goods and services.
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With our special correspondent in Damascus, Mohamed Errami
In a small, bustling grocery store in the center of Damascus, Amer Saeed, the owner, welcomes his customers with a broad smile. On his counter, Syrian pound notes now sit alongside American dollars. He confides:
“ All Syrians felt a great relief, thank God, because we were under pressure and we could not even mention the dollar. Before Assad’s departuretalking about the dollar, even on the phone, could result in a prison sentence of seven or eight years. Now we are really relieved and very happy. »
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Official exchange offices have also resumed their activities across the city. Behind one of the employees, screens display the current rate in real time: one dollar is worth around 15,000 Syrian pounds. Amer, employee in the establishment, confirms:
“ This is a new form of liberation for us, especially since the majority of workers in the foreign exchange field have been arrested and interrogated. Personally, I was arrested and a financial case was made against me for only 100 dollars. »
According to experts, this reopening of the currency market could stabilize prices and restore consumer confidence. A change welcomed by the population, who see it as a glimmer of hope for the local economy.
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