Iran Eyes Joint Investments in Syria
IRAN NEWS ECONOMIC DESK
TEHRAN – Head of Iran-Syria Joint Chamber of Commerce Keyvan Kashefi says Iran is not after selling goods to Syria but it is looking for launching joint ventures and joint projects in Syria.
Speaking in an interview, Kashefi said Syria is one of the major destinations for Iran’s exports especially in the future as both countries enjoy commonalities which can boost economic ties. He added that launching Iran’s Trade Center in Syria in the near future can coordinate the economic cooperation between both states.
He said Syria’s economy has huge potentials for bilateral or multilateral cooperation, noting that Syrian economy since its early days has been a production-centered one. Kashefi added that Syria was once one of the biggest producing countries but due to the war condition, the country has distanced from its past and it is now in the reconstruction era and this is a good opportunity for Iran to provide Syria with different services for its reconstruction.
He further said Syria is willing to have economic exchanges with Iran and Iran should take advantage of this opportunity.
Kashefi added that industrial goods, equipment for plants, construction materials and especially agro products have good market in Syria and Iran should focus on exports of these goods.
He added that Syria’s economy has great potentials and Iran should not ignore this opportunity, adding that the chamber has purchased an office in Damascus to launch Iranian Trade Center and it will be a venue for centralizing Iranian companies.
Kashefi reiterated that the center is not aimed at presenting Iranian products in Syrian markets but it is one step from the pre-planned goals for cooperation in Syria.
He added that Syria has good technical and engineering forces and Iranians can take advantage of them for joint cooperation and investment in several projects like construction of dams, power stations and other infrastructures.
Kashefi added the center is ready to come on stream and the chamber’s goal is to increase the current trade volume with Syria to one billion dollars next year.
He once again reiterated that the chamber is not focused on sales of goods in Syria, adding sales of goods is some part of the chamber and center’s task but the major goal is to have joint investment in different fields.
Kashefi stated that the center is to employ people who know Syria very well and be acquainted with Syria’s laws and regulations in order to offer economic consultations to Iranian traders.
He further said that launching a credit line with Syria is necessary for easing the trade with Syria, noting that to this end, the chamber is in dire need of Iran’s Central Bank cooperation.
