Syria-Cuba Cooperation Necessary to Withstand Economic Siege Imposed on Both Countries

HAVANA, (ST)-The Federation of the Syrian Chambers of Commerce and the Cuban Commerce Chamber have signed a memorandum of understanding  on enhancing economic and trade cooperation between the two countries.

Following the signing ceremony in Havana, Deputy Minister of Economy and Foreign Trade Samer al-Khalil said the step was a new incentive to develop the mechanism of joint Syrian-Cuban action to boost cooperation and establish a new era that contribute to achieving common goals.

 “Despite the difficult circumstances caused by the ongoing terrorist war on Syria, many Syrian industrial facilities and businessmen are determined to keep steadfast, increase production and consolidate openness towards friendly countries’ markets, said the Syrian deputy minister, referring to the promising investment opportunities in both countries and stressing that this memo will be the start for achieving more openness and cooperation.

Head of the Cuban Commerce Chamber Orlando Hernandez, on his part, affirmed that signing the memo was a natural result of the historic fraternal relations between Syria and Cuba.

“We have to support each others to enhance economic and trade cooperation as to withstand the siege and the unilateral coercive economic measures imposed on Syria and Cuba by imperialism and its allies,” Hernandez said.

He reiterated that the visit of the Syrian delegation to Cuba and the signing of the memo will help the Syrian side know about the Cuban markets’ needs, clarifying that Cuba’s commerce chamber is ready to provide all forms of services to Syrian businessmen.

Beside exchanging visits by businessmen and finding cooperation mechanisms, the memo provides for encouraging holding exhibitions, forums, symposiums and conferences on expanding trade exchange and enhancing investment. It also provides for coordination to form the Syrian-Cuban workers committee as soon as possible.

 Earlier, the Syrian delegation , led by al-Khalil, met Cuba’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Trade and Investment Ileana Mordoche. Talks dealt with prospects of economic and trade cooperation.

Al-Khalil said there are many Syrian goods that can be exported to Cuba, particularly because Syria is distinguished of diverse products. He expressed the willingness of Syrian businessmen and industrialists to open the door for investment with Cuba, to build productive economic partnership and to transfer technology, particularly in the area  of medicines.

Mordoche, on her part, stressed Cuba’s keenness on establishing strong economic relations with Syria, pointing out that the visit and the talks between the businessmen of both sides will boost economic ties.

“The Cuban government gives priority to Syria, particularly regarding the issue of the production of medicines,” Mordoche said, noting that the Cuban side will provide the Syrian Ministry of Economy and Foreign Trade with a list of goods and products needed by the Cuban markets.   

Hamda Mustafa