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Syria is ready to carry out 13 cooperation projects with Belarus, Syrian economy minister says

Syria is ready to carry out 13 cooperation projects with Belarus, Syrian Economy Minister Lamia Asi said Tuesday in Minsk during a meeting of the Belarus-Syria Business Cooperation Council, as quoted by BelaPAN.

Trade between Belarus and Syria does not reflect the potential of the two economies, Ms. Asi said, expressing hope for the development of cooperation. No competition will arise between the Belarusian and Syrian companies because they manufacture different products, which can be used in a mutually beneficial way, he said.

In particular, Syrian businesses suggest establishing Belarusian-Syrian trading houses in Minsk and Damascus, organizing a series of exhibitions in the two cities in 2011, launching a direct air service between them and facilitating visa procedures.

In addition, Syrian businesses are interested in establishing joint venture companies to import and assemble Belarusian agricultural machinery, manufacture and assemble deep well pumps and import and assemble electric transformers for Syria and neighboring countries. Belarusian companies have also been invited to establish joint venture companies to sell Belarusian and Syrian food, including vegetables, fruit and dry milk, provide sea and land transport services, sell olive oil and carry out tourism projects. One of the proposed projects provides for national sports teams to hold training camps in the other country.

Joint companies in Syria could have profit margins of up to 40 percent because neighboring countries levy no customs duties on imports from Syria, Ms. Asi said.