DAMASCUS - Syria and France on Sunday signed a common announcement on cooperation between the Syrian Ministry of Economy and the French Ministry of Industry in the field of competition, preventing monopoly, protecting property and consumer.
The two sides also signed a joint announcement on cooperation between the industry ministries in the two countries for following up decisions of the Euro-Med Industry Ministers' Conference, and cooperation in the fields of innovation, increasing competition capabilities and standards.
The announcement included cooperation to establish tech parks in Syria and using information technology in facilitating industrial cooperation and exchanging industrial information between the two states.
"The agreements signed today between both countries are very important as they come to complete agreements lately signed between the two sides in the framework of boosting bilateral relations," Deputy Prime Minister fro Economic Affairs Abdullah al-Dardari said in a press conference following the signing ceremony.
He underlined that economic ties between Syria and France are witnessing remarkable progress; particularly the relation between the Syrian government and the French Development Agency specialized in financing and developing infrastructure, social and economic projects in Syria.
Al-Dardari referred to the big development in the relations with the French Development Agency after signing a memo of understanding last September which included issues of small and intermediate funds, rural development, infrastructure, roads, airports, communication and energy.
"We agreed with the French Mann Company to prepare economic and technical studies to establish an electrical power station that will be run by solar energy... and there is a serious dialogue with ALSTOM co. to overcome obstacles in a way to make the company active in the process of building electrical power stations in Syria," Deputy Premier added.
The French Secretary of State In charge of Industry and Consumption Luc Chatel said his visit comes in the framework of Syrian-French economic and industrial rapprochement, based on partnership.
The two common announcements were signed by Minister of Economy and Trade Amer Lutfi, Minister of Industry Fouad Issa al-Joni and the French Minister Chatel.
Earlier, al-Dardari discussed in a meeting with the French Secretary Chatel the growing relations of cooperation and friendship between the two countries and means for developing them.
During the meeting, al-Dardari reviewed the government's economic policies, programs and strategic plans and their role in boosting the capabilities and immunity on national economy, pointing out to the promising investment atmosphere and remarkable investment opportunities in Syria.
Al-Dardari called on French businessmen and companies to invest in Syria, underlining the importance of carrying out signed agreements and signing new agreements to help bolster cooperation.
For his part, Chatel expressed the French government's desire to improve economic and developmental relations with Syria, while the businessmen and representatives of French companies accompanying him expressed desire to establish joint projects in Syria.
The meeting was attended by Minister of Transport Dr. Yarob Badr and the French Ambassador in Syria Michel Duclos.
By Mazen
© SANA (Syria Arab News Agency) 2009
