Jordanian-Syrian economic forum kicks off in Damascus

AMMAN — The Jordanian-Syrian economic forum, organised by the Jordan and Aqaba chambers of commerce, in cooperation with the Federation of Syrian chambers of commerce, kicked off in Damascus on Saturday.

Dubbed, "Participatory rather than competitive", the three-day event paves the way for strengthened Jordanian- Syrian relations and further opportunities for participation, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

President of the Jordan and Aqaba chambers of commerce Nael Kabariti expressed pride in the level of mutual ties between both countries in various fields, voicing hope the next phase will see “a new start” based on genuine participation.

The Jordanian economic sector will not allow anyone to determine the future of its relations with its Syrian counterpart, he said.

He called on the Syrian side to make a list of Jordanian goods that are allowed to enter the Syrian market. He also urged to exempt Jordan-made products from any import-limiting decision in order to increase trade exchange between both countries.

Syrian Minister of Economy and Foreign Trade Mohammad Al Khalil highlighted both countries' longstanding relations and ongoing communication.

The conditions of war had forced Syria to ration imports and consumption in an attempt to maintain the stability of the local currency and reduce the entry of goods into the local market, he said.

Damascus attaches priority to Jordanian imports, especially goods that are not available in the Syrian market, especially fertilisers, metal cans and solar equipment, he added. 

Khalil noted that the Business Forum is an important opportunity for the two countries to discuss issues in a "transparent manner" in order to find solutions that can serve the economic interests of both countries, calling to review the fees imposed by Jordan on Syrian trucks transiting through Kingdom, emphasising the need for the two parties to be unified. 

Syrian Minister of Agriculture and Agrarian Reform Mohammad Qatana stressed the importance of the outcomes of the last Amman-held quadripartite meeting that brought together ministers of agriculture of Jordan, Syria, Iraq and Lebanon, which highlighted the need to ease obstacles and develop agricultural cooperation among the four countries and facilitate the exchange of agricultural goods.

The next phase will see significant agricultural cooperation between Syria and Jordan, mainly in the fields of production and fertiliser supplies. He noted. 

Syria can also benefit from Jordan's palm-growing experience, as well as poultry through cooperation with specialised Jordanian companies, he said. 

Qatana stressed the importance of establishing a joint association for drivers from the two countries, alongside regulating the transport and entry of agricultural products between Jordan and Syria and overcoming the problems facing the facilitation and movement of goods crossing borders.

There is also a Jordanian product exhibition being held on the sidelines of the forum, featuring the participation of 32 Jordanian companies operating in the industrial, service, transport, logistics, tourism, food and trade sectors.

The Kingdom's exports to Syria increased by 23 per cent to reach JD40 million during the first seven months of 2022, compared to some JD26 million of goods imported to Jordan.