By IANS
Gurgaon (Haryana) : Positioning itself as the hub of the “Digital Silk Route”, Syria Friday made an impassioned plea for Indian banks and other businesses to open shop in the country, saying they would be welcomed with open arms.
“I would like banks and other businesses to come to Syria. You will find it very easy to do business in my country. We will welcome you with open arms,” Syrian Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs Abdulla Dardari said.
He was speaking at an interactive luncheon meeting on the concluding day of the three-day Partnership Summit 2008 here.
“During the last two days, we have laid down the foundation for you to start joint ventures (in Syria). The potential is tremendous. There are no limits whatsoever to what we can achieve,” the extremely upbeat minister maintained.
According to the minister, Syria, and more importantly, its capital Damascus, “is uniquely placed as the hub of the Digital Silk Route between Asia and Europe. We can facilitate trade and commerce between the two regions. Come and take advantage of this.”
The minister, who left the lunch midway to catch a helicopter flight to Haridwar, drew an analogy from his departure.
“As we take off for Hardwar, please take off to greater heights (of investments and joint ventures,” he told the gathering that included the crème de la crème of India Inc.
“I look forward to hosting a similar lunch in Damascus or any other Syrian city of your choice,” Dardari added.