Damascus, September 14 (QNA) - Syrian officials held talks in Damascus on Monday with a US business delegation representing 50 companies, as the two sides explored investment opportunities and ways to expand economic partnerships.

The delegation, which includes more than 80 participants from a range of sectors, is the first mission by the US Chamber of Commerce to Syria, according to Steve Lutes, the chamber's vice-president for Middle East affairs.

Ahmed Rawad Ramadan, head of the Syrian Investment Authority, said the visit came as Syria enters what he described as a new economic phase.

He said Damascus was seeking a more open economy, a stronger role for the private sector and greater integration with the international economic system.

US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Jacob McGee said Washington was encouraging American businesses to invest in the Syrian market. He said several US companies had already begun taking steps towards entering the market.

The visit follows the first Syrian-American Business Forum, held in Damascus in July, which brought together representatives from government ministries and business and trade communities from both countries. (QNA)