Tehran, Iran, Sept 18
Trend:
Iran seeks to increase its trade turnover with Syria up to $1 billion, as Iranian public and private sectors are active in reconstruction of Syria, said the head of Iran-Syria joint Chamber of Commerce.
Keyvan Kashefi discussed Iran trade ties with Syria and the chamber activities to reconstruct Syria in an interview with Trend.
"We did not have expanded economic ties with Syria even before the domestic conflicts," he said.
In his words, after domestic conflict, the ties were cut and the country's biggest exports were in the amount of $278 million that was not significant. Considering Iran's political status, it is desirable to increase the economic trade with Syria, he said.
He went on to say: "Therefore, we have established a joint chamber of commerce. In the past seven months, regular meetings were held and ten visits were paid by economic delegations of the two countries."
"We have attended two reconstruction expos in Syria and participate in The 5th edition of Re-Build Syria Expo that commenced it work on Tuesday," he added.
"Iranian companies responded well and their attendance has been increased four times," he indicated.
The official also emphasized that private sector is active in the reconstruction of Syria working along with public organizations such as Mapna Group and Mostazafan Foundation.
"Mapna Group has won the tender to construct two power plants in Syria and has started the work. The Iranian companies have started the reconstruction work; however, there are some issues in Iran-Syria trade relations," he said.
These pending issues have been discussed during the visit of Iran's First Vice President Eshagh Jahangiri to Syria.
"The problems include cargo transit route between two countries, banking relations and free exports tariff. These issues have been reflected in memorandum of understanding signed by the two countries. If they are addressed, the bilateral trade cooperation will gather momentum," Kashefi said.
"Our outlook plan for the next Iranian year [starts March 21, 2020] is to increase trade turnover with Syria up to $1 billion," he said.