DAMASCUS, (ST) – Minister of Industry, Dr. Adnan Sukhni, called industrialists, who were forced by circumstances to leave the country to return and re- operate their facilities again to contribute to the industrial production cycle and meet the needs of the local market.
During the General Assembly meeting of the Damascus Chamber of Industry, the Minister of Industry pointed out that the ministry will provide all facilities, support and assistance to industrialists for their business and production as well as in transporting the facilities of industrialists fully or partially to the safe areas and to provide the right conditions for business and industrial production.
He pointed out that the economic committee had agreed on several draft decrees on the schedule of loans and exemption from fines. He also clarified that several committees were formed to deal with calling for industrialists to actively participate in economic decision-making and cooperate with the ministry of industry and the government and the formation of the Council of Industrial Development under the chairmanship of the Prime Minister to approve the industrial policies and follow up the industrialists’ concerns.
“The government is considering the trade agreements signed with other countries that respond to the interests of the national economy and national industry,” Dr. Sukhni said.
He stressed that there are Several measures have been adopted and others will be taken to deal with the issue of high exchange rate of the dollar and the industrialists have to take advantage of the features and facilities provided by the industrial cities.
He said that the war being waged against Syria is aimed at all the components of the country where the aggression focused mainly on economic fundamentals and industry as well as the investment climate.
Dr Sukhni underlined that the number of industrialists who transferred their facilities outside Syria is not great, explaining that the number of registered establishments until the end of last year reached 130 216 industrial establishments, while the number of applications submitted to the ministry for the transfer of their installations is 121.
For his part, Chairman of Damascus Chamber of Industry, Eng. Bassel Hamwi, pointed out to the damages suffered by industrialists during the crisis and losses resulting from acts of sabotage, theft and fire to their facilities.
He noted the cooperation of the Ministry of Industry and the government and its response to the many requests from industrialists and follow up the implementation of other requests, including what has been implemented and some are under implementation and follow-up.
Sharif al -Khatib