Damascus - The Italian Ambassador in Damascus Achille Amerio underlined on Wednesday the new agreements that were recently signed between the two countries in order to increase trade exchange and bolster Italy's position as Syria's primary European trade partner.
During a meeting with members of the Syrian Businessmen and Businesswomen Association, Amerio said an agreement was signed to establish a railroad network connecting Turkey, Syria, Jordan and Iraq, adding that a new marine line for passengers and goods connecting Syria and Italy will begin work soon.
He also discussed the technological center project between the Italian Embassy and the Syrian government, which aims at developing chemical, plastics, leather and lumber industries, in addition to cooperation in electricity projects.
Amerio noted that despite the economic recession around the world due to the global economic and financial crisis, indicators of trade exchange and cooperation with Syria are continuously growing.
The businessmen and businesswomen presented comments and suggestion to the Italian ambassador regarding the difficulties facing Syrian businessmen and exporting goods from Italy, calling for encouraging Italian companies to cooperate with the Syrian side and inform them of the advantages of investing in Syria.
The two sides also discussed the possibility of establishing partnerships between members of the Association and Italian companies.
Statistics show that trade exchange between Syria and Italy amounted to SP 94,310 billion in 2008, with Syrian exports amounting to SP 55,146 billion and imports amounting to SP 39,164 billion.
Economic, commercial and cultural relations between the two countries are governed by a number of agreements in the fields of investment, finance, culture, technology, infrastructure, insurance, renewable energy, industry and agriculture.
Italy was the first to establish a trade consulate in Syria during the 10th century. Crude oil, cotton textiles, marble, wheat, untanned leather and food products are the most important Syrian exports to Italy, while Syria imports textile machines, agricultural equipment, tractors, car spare parts, lubricant oils, butane gas, rice, chemicals, electrical and home appliances, plastic and metal products, and medical equipment.
By H. Sabbagh
© SANA (Syria Arab News Agency) 2010
