Damascus, June 14 (SANA)President ofDamascus Chamber of IndustryAyman al-Molawi and members of the chamber’s board met Italian Ambassador to Syria Stefano Ravagnan and Italian Trade Agency Commissioner Marina Scognamiglio on Sunday to discuss ways to strengthen industrial and commercial cooperation between Syria andItaly.

During the meeting, held at the chamber’s headquarters in Damascus, the two sides reviewed challenges facing Italian companies operating in the Syrian market and explored mechanisms to enhanceeconomic cooperationand develop trade and industrial relations. Discussions also focused on reconnecting exporters and importers in both countries, particularly in the textile, yarn and ready-made garment sectors.

Members of the chamber stressed the importance of acceleratinginvestmentdecisions to take advantage of opportunities currently available in the Syrian market. They noted that a list of active Syrian factories is being prepared for the Italian side to facilitate communication between business communities in the two countries. They also highlighted the widespread use of Italian production lines by Syrian manufacturers, citing the quality and efficiency associated with Italian industry.

The talks addressed ways to facilitate trade and financial transactions, with participants emphasizing the possibility of concluding direct commercial contracts between Syrian and Italian companies without the need for third-party intermediaries. Advance cash payments were also discussed as a means of easing trade exchanges.

The two sides further explored proposals to improve financial and banking transfer channels. Among the proposals discussed was the organization of a roundtable bringing together representatives of banks and relevant institutions to address financial and banking challenges and help remove obstacles facing industrial and commercial activities in both countries.

Ambassador Ravagnan outlined several measures aimed at supporting economic relations in the coming period, including facilitating visa procedures from Damascus through a specialized company that would receive applications and forward them to the embassy. Priority would be given to business, academic and official visit visas.

The ambassador also pointed to ongoing cooperation with theMinistry of Economy and Industryto reactivate the Syrian-Italian Joint Business Council, with the aim of strengthening communication between business leaders and opening new avenues for cooperation and investment.

The discussions form part of broader efforts to enhance economic and industrial cooperation between Syria and Italy, encourage foreign companies to explore investment opportunities in theSyrian market, particularly in productive and industrial sectors, and expand trade links between the two countries.