Damascus, SANA – Syrian Minister of Transport Dr. Yarub Badr discussed with the US-Syria Business Council, headed by Dr. Jihad Salqini, ways of enhancing joint cooperation and opening new investment horizons in the fields of transportation and infrastructure.
The meeting addressed the importance of enabling American companies to access the Syrian market, eliminating customs duties on American goods while implementing the principle of reciprocity, and studying the possibility of direct transportation between Syria and the United States.
The meeting also addressed the obstacles hindering the development of trade relations, most notably the absence of a bilateral business council and institutional framework for trade, legal and operational ambiguity for American companies, the difficulty Syrian companies face accessing American standards and networks, and the persistence of certain policies that limit free trade.
The US side presented a package of proposed solutions, including establishing a reliable platform for trade and investment, activating structured interaction between the government and the private sector, developing guidelines for US companies wishing to responsibly enter the Syrian market, and supporting Syrian companies’ readiness to access the US market.
The two sides emphasized the common foundations between the two countries, which begin with enhancing understanding and cultural communication, building trust between companies, and addressing legal, operational, and cultural requirements. They also identified opportunities for cooperation in the sectors of agriculture, food security, healthcare, infrastructure, energy, communications, hospitality, textiles, technology, real estate, transportation, housing, defense, and water engineering.
The US-Syria Business Council, headquartered in Washington, D.C., comprises Syrian businesspeople in the United States. It is an independent, non-profit organization dedicated to promoting trade relations between the United States and Syria.
It serves as a platform for comprehensive economic cooperation supported by its members, providing insights and facilitating access to investment opportunities within the context of the changing relations between the two countries.
Amer Dhawa
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