MINSK, 4 December (BelTA) – The trade between Belarus and Syria may reach $50 million in 2018, Chairman of the Belarusian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Vladimir Ulakhovich told the media ahead of the business meeting between representatives of the Belarusian companies and businesses from the Syrian Tartous Province, BelTA has learned.
“In the trade with Syria we have a trade surplus. In January-September Belarus imported about $3 million worth of goods. We import fruits, dried fruits. Syria also offers cotton. In January-September the trade approached $40 million. I think that by the end of the year it will grow up to $50 million. As a rule, contracts are closed, supplies are increased at the end of the year,” Vladimir Ulakhovich said.
He stressed that steps have been taken in recent years to bolster business ties between the two countries. “Belarus has provided humanitarian aid to Syria. Syrian kids come to Belarus for recuperation holidays. Today we can say that there is a commercial interest for our businesses. Many people think that it is impossible to work there but this is not true. We can and should work there. We already have a good experience, historically good relations. Syria needs building materials, transport vehicles, medical supplies, foodstuffs,” Vladimir Ulakhovich said.
The enterprises of the two countries signed contracts to supply medical products, mechanical engineering goods to Syria. “I think that MAZ who could not implement the earlier agreements due to obvious circumstances will get back to the good cooperation traditions. Other businesses will be able to establish good cooperation with Syrian partners,” said Vladimir Ulakhovich.
According to the head of the Tartous Chamber of Commerce and Industry Yousuf Shaar, relations between the two countries are developing in a positive manner. “Belarus is one of the best friends of Syria. The country needs farm machines, construction equipment, trucks, medicines and medical products, food,” he stated.
The business talks are attended by 13 Syrian companies and about 50 Belarusian companies from different regions of the country. The parties are discussing cooperation and opportunities to implement joint projects in pharmaceutics, production of building materials, agricultural mechanical engineering, chemical, food industry, IT, woodworking and metallurgy. “We hope to reach serious results that will contribute to the bilateral trade next year,” Vladimir Ulakhovich said.
