Damascus, Aug. 9 (SANA)Agriculture Minister Basel al-Suwaidan and Daniel al-Baroudi, a representative of American Swiss International, signed on Sunday a memorandum of understanding oninvestment cooperationto rehabilitate and operate livestock facilities in the provinces.

Signed at the ministry’s headquarters in Damascus, the MOU provides a framework for studying and preparing projects to rehabilitate and develop agreed-upon facilities of the General Corporation for Livestock, along with their associated lands and utilities, restore their productive capacity, improve their economic and technical efficiency, and support the development of animal wealth and rural communities, according to theAgriculture ministrystatement on Telegram.

The projects are also aimed at supporting sustainable agricultural rural development, linking surrounding rural communities to investment projects, enhancing milk and meat production, developing local and export-oriented animal value chains, and supporting breeders and small producers through soft loan programs and contract farming.

Al-Suwaidan: Facilities for modern technology, support for breeders

The signing followed extensive talks between the two sides, during which al-Suwaidan said the ministry would provide necessary facilities to implement agreed projects, support farmers and breeders, introduce modern technologies and provide training programs on the company’s latest methods.

The minister said the ministry’s interest extends beyond the economic andinvestmentaspects to include the social dimension through income generation and job creation, adding that the ministry aspires to reach the highest levels of productivity, efficiency and quality, making Syrian products number one globally.

Al-Baroudi: Implementation within a month

Al-Baroudi told SANA that implementation of the MOU’s provisions will begin within less than a month, as part of efforts to develop thelivestock sectorand enhancefood securityin Syria.

He said cooperation with the Agriculture Ministry represents an important step to revitalize animal production and open new avenues for product exports, enhancing Syria’s presence in markets and supporting the sector’s growth.

Al-Hamwiya: Job opportunities, support for small producers

Director of the General Corporation for Livestock Louay al-Hamwiya said the MOU will develop the livestock sector, provide job opportunities, benefit from existing staff and develop their expertise, while securing production inputs and adopting the latest technologies in cattle breeding.

He said the MOU will positively impact farmers and livestock breeders through interest-free soft loans for dairy cattle and fattening calves, with the company handling production and marketing operations to ensure returns for breeders.

On July 27, the Agriculture Ministry discussed with American Swiss International opportunities to invest in livestock facilities across the provinces and prepare the necessary technical and economic studies for the project.

American Swiss International, a Brazilian company specializes in livestock and agricultural production projects, including cattle, sheep and poultry farming, feed and grain production, management and operation of livestock facilities, meat and dairy production, with investments in several Latin American countries.