Package of Projects to be Discussed Next Euro – Asian Economic Committee
(ST)- Informed sources at the Ministry of Economy and Foreign Trade underlined that the ministry had completed the preparation of a list of projects that can be put forward with the Russian side to be displayed during the meeting of the next Euro – Asian Economic Committee prelude to Syrian admission to the Customs Union, which includes Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan.
The source explained that the ministry strives to follow up coordination and cooperation with the Russian side, including contributing to the strengthening of economic and trade relations and investment which can contribute to the development of joint cooperation between the two countries.
The ministry has received several proposals being implemented or some of the ministries seek to implement with Russian companies in Syria, among them, for example:
Smart Energy
In this area, Oil Ministry suggested a number of vital projects that can be raised with the Russian side including strategic cooperation to explore for oil in Syrian territorial waters, as well as cooperation in the field of regional projects. The Russian side took part in the financing and implementing of regional cooperation projects with Iraq, in addition to the possibility of engagement with Iran (Iran gas pipeline project, Iraq, Syria, Europe) and after coordination with the governments of the two countries.
In addition to the possibility of cooperation in investment projects of gas in the north central region and cooperation for long-term contracts for the importation of domestic gas and diesel fuel and naphtha export, with reference to the existence of a project to develop and produce the Syrian phosphate industry .
A study has been prepared on a project for automating the storage and distribution of petroleum products by using the smart card by the industrial company “Russian Demarge the 21st Century”. The Ministry of Industry also suggested a number of projects that can be raised with the Russian side is most notably in the importance of establishing a new plant to produce urea fertilizer in Deir Ezzour City in a production capacity of up to one million tons per year, and another for the production of phosphate fertilizer in Palmyra. The work to develop the public company for tires in Hama, in cooperation with the Russian side, in addition to the possibility of cooperation in the field of cement industry and rehabilitation of several public sector companies.
In the field of sugar industry, the ministry has felt the need to set up a new plant for the production of fresh yeast, because of the absolutely and urgent necessary to meet the needs of the country of this article, and discussed the possibility of the participation of the Russian side to increase the production capacity of a plant yeast in Damascus.
Transportation Projects
The Ministry of Transport, according to the source, expressed willingness to cooperate with the Russian side in the field of air transport, maritime and in the field of roads and bridges and railways, notably the establishment of a project of Hejaz railway according to the system of BOT, in addition to the construction of a railway between Damascus and the international airport. And another one for the passengers of the suburbs in the city of Damascus.
Internal Trade Projects
The internal trade projects include the import of 100 thousand tons of twined iron, different kinds of timber, in addition to 300 tons of dry yeast and 100 thousand tons of wheat for bread as well as other fruits and vegetables and food such as sugar, rice, vegetable oil and canned food.
Some 300 thousand tons of wheat (three batches) were received by the Public Establishment for Trade and Grain Processing and there is a request for the purchase of 1,300 tons under implementation.
The General Foundation of the Storage and Marketing has indicated willingness in the export of olive oil, fruit and vegetables, citrus fruits, according to the commodity trade.
Communications
Ministry of Communications proposed talks with Russian communication companies for fiber optic link with Russia, Iraq, Iran and Syria and cooperation with Russia to benefit from the successful experiences in the performance of postal, financial, technical and satellites services.
Sh. al –Khatib