Damascus - A delegation of Argentinean businessmen, currently visiting Syria, discussed with Syrian businessmen means of beefing up the economic and trade relations between the two countries, in addition to making more joint investments in Syria.
During a meeting held at Damascus Chamber of Commerce on Monday, the two sides discussed ways of enhancing relations between the expatriate Syrian businessmen and their motherland through increasing the volume of trade exchange between the two countries and diversifying the exchanged goods, in addition to making investments in Syria or partnerships with Syrian businessmen and establishing the Joint Business Council.
Chairman of Damascus Chamber of Commerce Ghassan Qallaa said the direct meeting between Syrian and Argentinean businessmen would contribute to boosting the economic and investment relations between the two countries.
Qallaa pointed out that Syria enjoys a promising investment atmosphere, inviting the Argentinean businessmen to launch more investments in the country in various domains.
He indicated that there is imbalance in the volume of exports and transports between Syria and Argentina which requires from the Joint Business Council to restore this balance and increase and diversify the exchanged commodities to create more trade opportunities.
He also underlined the importance of the role played by the Syrian community in Argentina in developing the economic and trade cooperation between the two countries and strengthening relations between the Arab and Syrian expatriate businessmen and their Syrian counterparts to make joint investments in several fields.
For his part, Head of the Argentinean businessmen delegation, Governor of Salta Province Angel Miguel Issa expressed the desire of Argentinean businessmen to consolidate the economic relations with Syria and to make more investments in the country in various domains.
Issa indicated to the remarkable achievements of the Syrian expatriates in Argentina in various economic fields, pointing out that the Syrian expatriates in Salta play an effective role in the development and progress of the Province.
Assi Discusses Trade and Investment Cooperation with Argentinean Delegation
Earlier, Syrian Minister of Economy and Trade Lamia Assi discussed with the Argentinean delegation the economic, trade and investment relations between the two countries and means of activating them, serving the best interests of the two friendly peoples.
Minister Assi underlined the importance of enhancing the Syrian-Argentinean cooperation in establishing a strategic partnership through carrying out more joint industrial, trade and tourism projects.
She indicated that a framework agreement on establishing a free-trade zone will be signed between Syria and the member countries of the Mercosul before the end of 2010, adding that after signing the agreement, negotiations will start to reach an agreement on establishing the free-trade zone.
Assi called for exchanging information and continuing communications between the two sides through increasing the mutual visits between the official bodies and the businessmen and investors form both countries in light of the underway preparations for the meetings of the Syrian-Argentinean Committee during which several protocols and cooperation agreements will be signed.
She reviewed the facilitations provided by the Syrian Government to the investors, inviting businessmen to benefit from the available opportunities and the attractive investment atmosphere in the country.
For his part, Head of the Argentinean delegation Issa called for exchanging more visits between the Syrian and Argentinean businessmen and parliamentarians to consolidate the bilateral cooperation and to get acquainted with the available opportunities in both countries.
The Argentinean delegation includes 56 parliamentarians, businessmen and representatives of several companies most of them are of Arab or Syrian origin.
By R. al-Jazaeri/ Ghossoun
© SANA (Syria Arab News Agency) 2010
