Damascus, Aug. 9 (SANA)Head of theDamascus Chamber of IndustryMohammad Ayman al-Moulawi met on Sunday with a delegation from the Baghdad Chamber of Commerce, led by Board Member and Head of External Relations Duraid al-Ghariri, to discuss strengthening cooperation between businessmen in Syria and Iraq.

The two sides discussed increasing trade exchange, facilitating the movement of products, opening new trade corridors, granting reciprocal honorary memberships to interested members of both chambers to enhance joint coordination, and establishing commercial agencies for Syrian industrial products in Iraqi markets, where demand for them is growing.

Al-Moulawi: Ready to remove obstacles for Iraqi businessmen

Al-Moulawi affirmed the chamber’s readiness to remove obstacles and provide services and facilities to Iraqi businessmen and industrialists to increase trade volume, stressing the importance of integration between the Damascus Chamber of Industry and the Baghdad Chamber of Commerce in achieving direct links between traders and manufacturers in both countries.

He called for joint work to facilitate the issuance of entry visas for Syrian businessmen and industrialists to Iraq, enhancing direct communication and expandingeconomic cooperation.

Al-Ghariri: Cooperation with Syrian industry a strategic opportunity

Al-Ghariri said that maritime disruptions in theStrait of Hormuzand the challenges facing Iraqi traders in importing from distant markets, particularly China, including shipment delays and high sea freight costs, have created a new reality making cooperation with Syrian industry a strategic option and an opportunity for both sides.

He noted ongoing efforts to reopen border crossings and facilitate customs procedures, emphasizing the importance of mutual participation in conferences and exhibitions, particularly the Baghdad International Fair.

The meeting was attended by representatives and members of both chambers, along with a number of businessmen from Syria and Iraq.

Syrian-Iraqi economic relations have seen continued efforts to strengthen cooperation between business communities through increased trade exchange, expanded investment and partnerships, and the development of communication channels between chambers of commerce and industry to facilitate the movement of goods and products and open new markets.