Damascus - The Women in Business Administration and Investment Assembly kicked off on Sunday at the Sheraton Hotel. The Assembly is organized by Quality Group for Studies in cooperation with the businesswomen committee at the Damascus Chamber of Commerce.
In a speech given at the opening session, Minister of Economy and Trade Amer Lutfi pointed out to the changes that Syrian economy is currently undergoing, particularly in the field of creating an investment environment and building a modern economy that can keep up with global economic variables.
Lutfi stated that building a new economic system is based on founding economic legislation and laws to regulate the social market economy, stressing that the government is showing attention to human resources in the tenth five-year plan.
The Minister also pointed out to the steps taken to improve the business administration and investment environment by reforming laws, gradually freeing prices, limiting the conditions of entering the market, encouraging investment, advancing Syrian products, developing commercial law and reducing fees.
Chairman of the Chambers of Commerce Union Rateb al-Shalah underlined the meeting's importance in improving the Syrian women's role in business administration and investment, pointing out to the government's efforts for bolstering women's role in development and construction.
Chairwoman of the businesswomen committee at the Damascus Chamber of Commerce Sonia Kshisho stated that the meeting is a result of the increasing awareness of women's role and participation in all fields. She pointed out that Syrian laws equate women and men in terms of income, and that the legislative and economic authorities have supported the role of businesswomen.
Director General of the organizing group Majed Sharaf said that the Assembly aims at improving relations between Syrian businesswomen and their counterparts in Arab counties and international organizations.
The meeting is attended by 150 businesswomen from Arab and foreign countries, including Yemen, Libya, Jordan, Palestine, Bahrain, United Arab Emirates, Tunisia, Lebanon, Iraq, Turkey, India, Canada and South Africa.
The goals of the meeting include opening opportunities for joint investments, exchanging experiences of contributing countries and striking deals among participating businesswomen.
The meeting will also discuss several economic issues, including building the administrative capabilities of women, the necessary steps for the economic success of women in the Arab world, the role of banks in financing businesswomen, the role of businesswomen in chambers of commerce, and the supporting women in administration through laws and legislations.
By H. Sabbagh, Mazen
© SANA (Syria Arab News Agency) 2007
