Iran is prepared to establish joint ventures with Syrian companies as Damascus is seeking foreign investment to reconstruct war-torn nation, says an Iranian private sector figure.
"We've been rivals in the past in Syria to conquer neighbouring markets such as Iraq," Head of Joint Iran-Syria Economic Committee, Keyvan Kashefi told Iran Chamber Newsroom on board a plane that was carrying Iran’s first Vice President Eshaq Jahangiri, a number of cabinet ministers as well as a business delegation from Iran private sector to Syria.
"Tehran is prepared to launch joint ventures with Syrian companies in a bid to export to other countries as well. The country’s textile, olive and livestock industries are very good, and we hope we can start joint cooperation in complementary industries, such as processing and packaging,” he said.
“Considering all the data, we’re not far from reaching up to a million dollar worth of trade volume between our two countries,” added Kashefi.
He also pointed to the fact that a Joint Syria-Iran Economic Committee would be established during the trip, paving the way for the creation of a joint chamber of commerce between the Mideastern countries.
“These events can produce a leap in the two countries’ economic ties,” said Kashefi, describing the “leap” as “rapid growth and development in Iran and Syria economic relations.”
Head of Joint Iran-Syria Economic Committee went on to highlight the importance of a trilateral agreement between Iran-Iraq and Syria so that Iranian exports to Damascus pass through Iraqi road or railways.
Kashefi also expressed hope Iranian industries can be established in the Syrian city of Aleppo, “the economic hub of the country”.