Damascus, SANA-Chairman of the Damascus and Damascus Countryside Chamber of Industry, Engineer Ayman Mawlawi, along with chamber board members, met with Dr. Burhan Koroglu, Chargé d’Affaires at the Turkish Embassy in Damascus, to discuss ways to develop industrial and trade relations between the two countries, including reactivating the Free Trade Agreement.
During the meeting held Monday at the chamber’s headquarters in Damascus, the two sides discussed challenges affecting customs clearance, logistics, and financial obstacles that hinder cooperation. They explored ways for businessmen to collaborate in the garment industry, including building partnerships with Turkish companies and leveraging their global expertise and connections to boost Syrian garment exports, and create significant employment opportunities for Syrians.
Both sides emphasized the need to expand bilateral relations, increase border crossing capacities, and establish genuine partnerships across all sectors. Discussions also focused on reviving railway operations, boosting truck and transit movement, and simplifying customs procedures between the two countries.
Additionally, they stressed the importance of direct communication between businessmen, facilitating visa procedures for businessmen and industrialists, and enhancing collaboration through bilateral meetings, joint industrial exhibitions, and inviting Turkish businessmen to participate in Syria’s economic events.
Dr. Koroglu highlighted the importance of the proposals discussed during the meeting regarding potential sectors for collaboration, stating that these ideas would be conveyed to Turkish government authorities. He affirmed Turkey’s strong intention to foster significant cooperation between Turkish and Syrian industrialists, including mutual export exchanges.
Meanwhile, Engineer Ayman Mawlawi expressed optimism about fruitful cooperation between the two countries through activating and developing existing agreements to serve mutual interests. He highlighted the need to enhance industrial and trade integration with Turkey, contributing to boosting the value added of both economies.
Mawlawi also voiced hope that business forums would soon be organized in Turkey and Syria, allowing businessmen to discuss key topics and achieve optimal economic partnerships.
Rafah /Ruaa al-Jazaeri
