Damascus Chamber of Commerce Explores Boosting Trade with China
The Damascus Chamber of Commerce held a specialized seminar on Wednesday in collaboration with the Syrian-Chinese Business Council to explore ways to strengthen economic cooperation and bilateral trade between Damascus and Beijing. The event focused on developing partnerships between the business sectors of both countries and identifying obstacles faced by traders and companies to develop potential solutions.
Essam Al-Ghaiwati, Chairman of the Damascus Chamber of Commerce, stated that the discussions centered on two key pillars essential for revitalizing trade activity. The first pillar involves streamlining visa application procedures for Syrian merchants and industrialists looking to visit China, a vital requirement to foster direct communication between business leaders from both sides. The second pillar focuses on establishing mechanisms to facilitate financial and banking transfers between Syria and China, which are regarded as the backbone of trade operations necessary for overcoming difficulties in import and export processes.
Fadi Ahmed Al-Muhaymid, head of the Syrian-Chinese Business Council, addressed the current challenges regarding visas, clarifying that the current procedures remain subject to established consular standards. Al-Muhaymid emphasized that the council plans to introduce advanced technical services once visa operations resume. These services are intended to ensure smooth procedures, including the verification of data for merchants and economic entities, in close cooperation with Syrian chambers of commerce. He stressed that these services will be accessible to all commercial entities, regardless of whether they hold membership in the council, as part of an initiative to support the broader commercial sector.
This initiative comes as Syrian economic institutions seek to expand their foreign trade relations and diversify their strategic partnerships. The Damascus Chamber of Commerce, established in 1830 as one of the oldest economic institutions in the region, serves as a primary reference for providing consultancy and informational services. It represents the interests of traders and companies while playing an active role in proposing legislation to improve the Syrian business environment.
The meeting concluded by highlighting the importance of ongoing communication between the Syrian and Chinese sides to develop practical mechanisms that address current challenges. Both parties aim to open new investment channels that contribute to the development of the local economy and enhance the presence of Syrian products and companies in Chinese markets, while underscoring the need for clear legal and banking frameworks to ensure sustainable cooperation between the two nations.
Source: Syria Focus Arabic
