Jordanian businessmen in the private sector are currently working to break the ice between Amman and Damascus to reopen the two border crossings, namely the Nassib and Ramtha crossings, which the Jordanian side officially closed in 2015 after Free Syrian Army (FSA) factions took control of them on the Syrian side.

Head of the Jordan Chamber of Commerce Nael al-Kabariti told Al-Monitor that around 100 Jordanian figures in the economic and industrial sectors have decided to partake in the Damascus International Fair, due to start in mid-September. The Damascus International Fair in Syria is an international exhibition that has been held annually in Damascus since 1954. Participating countries introduce their industrial, commercial, business and economic activities.

“This participation is aimed at re-establishing the bridges that were cut off with Syria because of the closure of the border. We will discuss the strategy for future action in rebuilding Syria when calm is reinstated in Syria and reconstruction begins. This is why both countries need to be coordinating, so as Jordan can provide Syria with reconstruction material and logistic support,” Kabariti noted.

The Nassib border crossing, where trade has been suspended since 2011 due to security conditions after serving as a vital line between Syria and Jordan, can only reopen if one of the two countries compromises and asks for it, Jordanian and Syrian officials said. Amman and Damascus are both waiting for the other party to request the opening of the crossing.