Economists praise Syria’s return to Arab fold

AMMAN — Economists on Sunday welcomed the decision of the League of Arab States to reinstate Syria’s membership, noting that the move will positively affect the economy of the Arab world.

“Syria’s return to the Arab League and re-bridging relations between Syria and the other Arab countries, specifically Jordan, will open new economic horizons,” economist Alaa Garalleh told The Jordan Times on Sunday.

Bilateral trade relations between Jordan and Syria are of significant economic depth, with imports and trade exchange previously reaching a considerable volume, especially in the agricultural sector, Garalleh added.

“In the coming period, Syria will witness reconstruction. This means a greater need, and the Jordanian market may be among those adopted due to proximity and the availability of a strategic port at Aqaba,” he said.

Economist Husam Ayesh told The Jordan Times that “commercial dealings between Jordan and Syria are still ongoing, but they may develop further”.

The return of economic relations is notable, and the return signals potential for increased Jordanian exports to Syria, especially in the food, industrial or pharmaceutical industries, Ayesh said.

The League of Arab States has decided  to reinstate Syria’s seat after suspending its membership for more than 10 years, furthering regional efforts to normalise relations with Syrian President Bashar Assad in a move criticised by Washington.