Shafei said that the Islamic Republic of Iran’s private sector is prepared to cooperate with Syrians in reconstruction projects and investments, an Iranian official said.
On Monday and on the sidelines of Iran-Syria Trade Forum and in meeting with Head of Syrian Chamber of Commerce Muhammad Abu al-Hoda al-Lahham, Mr. Shafei noted that the Iranian private sector is eager to work with Syrians in reconstructing infrastructure, improving industrial and mineral sectors, providing technical and engineering services, and investing in dam building, water, sewage, electricity and energy projects in the war-stricken Arab country.
The chamber of commerce has tried to expand the good relationship to economic sectors as well, the official said, noting that the necessity to exchange data, create information bank, get acquainted with regulations and trade opportunities has led to holding a seminar to expand economic cooperation.
As to the level of bilateral economic ties in recent years, he mentioned that there is a long road ahead to upgrade current trade exchanges to a preferred level, which can take place as a result of governments’ support in creating infrastructure and implementing free trade agreements.
Development of mutual ties will help increase trade exchanges, Shafe’i said, arguing that the Islamic Republic is expected to organize precise programs in different spheres to pave the ground for participation of Iranian private sector in reconstruction of Syria.
The collaborations can help boost expansion of relationships in other sectors such as industry and agriculture, he noted, adding that the two countries plan to increase exchanges to one billion dollars per annum.
The chambers of commerce are leading executive forces in both countries, which play a key role in development of trade ties, the Iranian official said.
Given the fact that Iran has succeeded in upgrading its agricultural sector and there are fertile lands in Syria, Iranian investment in this sector should be on the agenda, he said.
Meanwhile during the forum, Syrian Ambassador to Tehran Shafiq Dayoub said that the trade volume between Iran and Syria has been doubled in one year but it has not reached the satisfactory level but the embassy’s efforts in the past year have been directed to the reinforcement of bilateral trade.
He then pointed to the historic relations between Tehran and Damascus, reiterated the tie between the two countries is unique and is on the right track.
He expressed hope such a forum would help broadening economic ties between the two states, reiterating that Syrian Foreign Ministry as well as Iran’s Embassy in Damascus will take all steps for broadening trade cooperation between the two countries.
Meanwhile head of Iran-Syria Joint Chamber of Commerce Keyvan Kashefi said that preferential tariff is an accelerator for broadening economic relations between the two states, adding that the trade exchange between the two countries has increased by 60% and Iran’s exports have been doubled.
He said that id the hurdles are removed by officials of the two countries, the trade volume of one billion dollars will not be far-fetched.
He reiterated that they can boost cooperation in agro and tourism sectors, adding that Iran has a trade center in Damascus and both countries can cooperate in production through synergy.
Kashefi reiterated that “Region is Ours” and Iran can take advantage of it.
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