Damascus, SANA – Prime Minister Dr. Wael al-Halaqi said that combating terrorism, strengthening the resilience of the Syrian Arab Army, and realizing social justice are a priority for the government, asserting that the economic and social policy of the government is based on providing support to those who need it, developing the tax system, promoting equal opportunities at work, and take care of vulnerable sections of society and the families of martyrs.
In a lengthy interview with the Al-Thawra newspaper published on Wednesday, al-Halaqi addressed the results of the recent meetings of the Syrian-Russian Permanent Committee for Economic, Commercial, Scientific, and Technical Cooperation which were held in the Russian city of Sochi, saying that these results include lowering customs fees, in addition to agreeing on facilitating the goods of agricultural exports to Russia.
He also said that a credit line with Russia will be opened soon, and that the two existing credit lines with Iran will be renewed soon as well.
The Prime Minister addressed the rise in heating fuel prices, saying that the sums resulting from the increase will be spent on education, health, social security, and utilities, asserting that the government is working to provide new income sources for the state treasury.
He also said that supporting agricultural production is a priority for the government, as well as supporting the pharmaceutical industries sector and rehabilitating the health sector, with other priorities including reconciliation, relief, administrative reform, combating corruption, and boosting cooperation with friendly countries, with the economic sector being key in the reconstruction process.
Al-Halaqi underlined the importance of teamwork, flexibility, and tackling the negative repercussions of the crisis as soon as possible in the fields of industry, economic and human development, and providing citizens’ needs.
He noted that the 2015 plan for the Higher Committee for Relief will focus on the concepts of care, protection, empowerment, and development, adding that several initiatives will be carried out to protect vulnerable elements in society.
Hazem Sabbagh