At a meeting by video conference, the head of the Federation of Chambers of Commerce of Syria, Abdul Houda Laham, called to overcome all obstacles and difficulties that prevent the volume of commercial exchange from reaching the level of excellent and historic relations between the two nations.
The geographical distance and the sanctions imposed by the United States are the main obstacle to commerce, but with determination, we will be able to overcome them, he said.
The official added that Cuba can become a point of promotion and distribution of Syrian products to all countries in the Caribbean region.
The president of the Cuban Chamber of Commerce, António Carricarte, in turn, noted that Syrian-Cuban relations are based on the principles of solidarity, respect and the joint fight for sovereignty and independence.
He proposed the signing of a trade cooperation agreement and organizing another virtual meeting that unites business people from the two countries to strengthen communication between them.
We congratulate Syria for its victory over terrorism, and we ratify that our commitment is not only economic but also moral in working for our two countries, Carricarte stated.
The two parties highlighted the importance of exchanging business and commercial delegations, and increasing participation in economic events in the two countries.
Carricarte invited Syria to be present at the 40th Havana International Fair, scheduled for November.
The head of the chamber of commerce of the Syrian province of Raqqa and member of the executive office of the Federation of Syrian Chambers of Commerce, Fayez Al-Hussein, expressed willingness to study any proposals that may contribute to developing commerce between the two countries in cooperation with the ministries and authorities concerned.
The issue of bartering goods between the two countries is important and can be studied and taken advantage of, he said.
In his speech, Syrian Ambassador to Cuba Ghassan Obeid reiterated his country’s support for Cuba and its willingness to supply the Cuban market with what it needs in Syrian products.
He said that he was optimistic about boosting trade cooperation, and noted that two countertrade and cooperation agreements in the field of medicines are in the final phase before being signed.
Obeid called for the exchange of visits to learn more about the possibilities and needs of each country.
Cuban Ambassador Luis Mariano Fernández, in turn, said that joint efforts led to this excellent meeting that is a step towards concrete actions for economic cooperation.
During the meeting, both countries agreed to study the proposals and work towards the setting up of joint committees or the Syrian-Cuban business council.
Deep friendship, unconditional solidarity and invariable common positions have characterized 58 years of relations between Syria and Cuba that began on August 11, 1965.
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