Economic talks to improve cooperation relations with Belarus

Damascus, SANA – Economic talks were held Tuesday to discuss following up on and activating the economic and trade relations with friendly countries, particularly Belarus, with the aim of opening new markets for the Syrian exports.

The talks were held during a meeting between caretaker Economy and Foreign Trade Deputy Minister Haiyan Salman, the Syrian Exporters Union, and Damascus Chamber of Commerce.

The Deputy Minister revealed that a roadmap has been drawn up for cooperation with Belarus, particularly in the economic fields, and with other countries to activate bilateral trade relations.

He noted that a decision was made to issue and print the required certificates of origin requested by the Belarusan side to enable the Syrian products to enter the Belarusian markets with a 25% discount on customs fees.

Chairman of the Exporters Union Mohammad al-Sawah pointed out to the importance of accessing the Algerian markets, describing them as “promising”.

He noted that the Union has asked the Ministry of Economy to follow up with the Algerian side on the possibility of exporting 260 specific types of Syrian goods to the Algerian markets employing preferential trade standards.

Discussions during the meeting also focused on the obstacles and problems facing Syrian exporters, particularly in terms of land, air and sea transportation, and the possibility of establishing an “export village” in the coastal city of Lattakia. The possibility of transporting certain goods by air was also on the table.

Hala Zain/ Haifa Said/Hazem Sabbagh