National economy ‘immune’ despite challenges, says al-Halqi

DAMASCUS,(ST)_Prime Minister has designated the national economy as ‘immune’ and satisfy the needs of all citizens, noting that government is still offering free health service and educational services despite challenges.

Dr.Wael al-Halqi’s remark came Monday during the opening ceremony of the Physicians Union’s extraordinary general conference.

The premier underscored that the improvement of health care measures and setting up many hospitals over the past years proved the political leadership and government’s interest in health sector.

He briefed the conferees on economic and services situation in  light of  the current circumstances Syria is going through, stressing that the country is facing a global war at economic, political, military, diplomatic and intelligence levels.

The 2013 wheat production estimated 2.5m ton

Al-Halqi said: “Economic sector is being targeted in order to abort its competitiveness at all levels…this year, wheat production is estimated to be 2.5 million ton.. the strategic wheat reserves could meet two years of the country’s demand.”

Employees salaries hit ‘SP 497 bn’

He added that the government is to expend SP497 billion as salaries for state employees this year and continue providing citizens with all basic services free. “Therefore, the armed terrorist groups systematically target the infrastructure of these sectors (education, health, power) and devastate the  service establishments in order to undermine state’s components.”

Reason for targeting medicine facilities

Al-Halqi made it clear that the Turkish government purposely gave the order to target the Syrian medicine facilities to protect Turkish industry.

“Syria was totally self-sufficient in medicine production and was exporting medicines to 57 states all over the world. However, Turkey was producing 65 million ton/ year and its needs reached up to 40 million ton, so it was looking for markets to sell its products,” he said.

CBS issues real exchange rate

As for foreign currency reserves, al-Halqi reiterated, once again, that Syria has good reserves, adding: “the Syrian pound has hit a record low against the Dollar due to the economic sanctions and embargo imposed on the country. The real exchange rate is issued only by the Central Bank of Syria.”

Concerning compensation being paid for affected people, the PM said: “So thus, as many as SP6.4billion out of SP30 bn has been spent.”

Subsidization

He, in addition, affirmed that the government allocates SP 512 bn for subsidizing basic items in 2013. “Despite current circumstances, Syria will never relinquish subsidization.”

Al-Halqi concluded that the government is working on bringing about a formulation to improve citizens’ livelihood and ease the crisis’ impact on them.

Basma Qaddour