Damascus, Sept. 03 (SANA) Jordanian companies at the 63rd Damascus International Fair in Damascus are exploring opportunities to expand trade, manufacturing and direct investment between Jordan and Syria, company representatives told SANA on Wednesday, pointing to transport links and reconstruction-related demand as potential drivers of growth.
Executives said stronger economic ties could create opportunities for businesses in both countries, particularly through improved transport links, streamlined customs procedures and greater cooperation between Syrian and Jordanian companies.
Naseeb crossing seen a key trade link
Taher Khayyata, an official at Jordan’s Sheikh al-Kar company, a manufacturer of production lines, told SANA that expanding bilateral economic activity would require stronger partnerships between Syrian and Jordanian companies and conditions that facilitate investment, production, imports and exports.
He said direct business-to-business cooperation could help companies tap both markets and pave the way for joint ventures, broadening economic ties beyond the exchange of goods.
Ahmad Hemidan, a factory manager at Jordan’s Marar Industrial Group, said the countries’ geographic proximity offered an advantage for developing the movement of goods.
Improving transport flows through the Naseeb border crossing could support traders and reduce burdens associated with distance and freight, he said.
Firms look to longer-term investment
Hemidan said the Syrian market had significant growth potential, pointing to expected activity in construction and reconstruction and the resulting demand for goods, products and services.
He said those conditions could give Jordanian companies room to expand their presence in Syria while supporting more sustainable commercial ties between the private sectors of the two countries.
Diab Abu Ghosh, regional export sales manager at Jordan’s Baby Life, said opportunities for cooperation could go beyond exports to include manufacturing and direct investment.
He said companies could consider establishing production facilities in Syria or moving some industrial operations to the country.
Production costs could shape manufacturing decisions
Abu Ghosh said differences in production costs between Syria and Jordan could encourage companies to examine joint manufacturing models that draw on resources and expertise available in each market.
Such arrangements could help make products more competitive in domestic and international markets, he said.
Abu Ghosh said there was demand for Jordanian products in the Syrian market and that broader cooperation between companies could help translate that demand into longer-term industrial and investment opportunities.
Jordanian companies are participating alongside Syrian, Arab and international firms in this year’s Damascus International Fair, which runs through Sept. 4.
The fair provides businesses with opportunities for direct meetings and discussions on potential cooperation in trade, industry and investment.
N.J/R.K
