By NNN-SANA,
Damascus : Minister of Industry Dr. Fouad Issa al-Joni discussed on Monday with Czech Minister of Finance Miroslav Kalousek economic relations between the two countries and means to develop them, particularly in the fields of industry.
The two sides discussed the development of standing industrial cooperation projects, mainly regarding the manufacture of steel alloys, tires, cotton yarn and cement.
Dr. al-Joni expressed readiness to cooperate with Czech companies to establish a plant for producing steel ally and develop the tire factory in the Syrian city of Hama, adding that Czech companies can contribute in developing the public sector’s cement factories.
He stressed the importance of developing relations between the two countries, pointing out that the Czech Republic duty presidency of the European Union next year might help in signing the Syrian-European Partnership Agreement.
The Minister added that Syria signed a number of bilateral and international agreements for protecting investments, calling Czech businessmen to cooperate with Syrian private and public companies.
He also pointed out that pharmaceutical industries in Syria are advanced and that they cover 90% of the local market’s need, underlining the possibility of cooperating with the private sector to produce drugs that are currently being imported.
For his part, Minister Kalousek affirmed his government’s support to developing economic, commercial and industrial cooperation with Syria, pointing out to the wealth of potential fields for cooperation.
He also underlined the importance of increasing trade exchange between the two countries and holding joint expos in order to bolster economic and commercial cooperation.