Damascus, Feb. 18 (SANA) Syria is seeking to expand economic ties with Uzbekistan in a move aimed at opening Central Asian markets to Syrian exports and attracting investment in key sectors as part of efforts to support the country’s economic recovery.
A Syrian economic delegation visited Uzbekistan earlier this week, holding talks in the capital Tashkent aimed at boosting trade, industry and agricultural cooperation, according to members of the Damascus Chamber of Commerce.
Louay al-Ashqar, a board member of the Damascus Chamber of Commerce, said Uzbekistan — one of Central Asia’s growing economies — could serve as a strategic partner as Syria works to diversify its external trade relations.
He said discussions focused on increasing Syrian exports, particularly agricultural products, food items, textiles and pharmaceuticals, while also encouraging investment in productive sectors to support domestic manufacturing and job creation.
Uzbekistan’s location and its participation in regional transport networks, including China’s Belt and Road Initiative, could provide Syria with indirect access to broader Asian and European markets, al-Ashqar said.
Economic analyst Mohannad al-Zanbarakji described the talks as significant, saying they addressed trade facilitation, the import of raw materials needed by Syria’s domestic industries, and the possibility of launching joint industrial projects.
He said cooperation could extend to modernizing or rehabilitating industrial facilities in Syria and increasing local value-added production.
In agriculture, discussions included the exchange of expertise in irrigation and farming techniques, as well as the import of seeds, fertilizers and modern technologies to improve productivity.
Al-Zanbarakji said Syria’s Mediterranean ports could serve as transit points for Uzbek goods, linking Central Asian markets with Arab countries.
The 25-member Syrian business delegation visited Uzbekistan on Feb. 11, where several memorandums of understanding were signed to promote economic and investment cooperation across multiple sectors.
N.J
