Unification of customs duties between Lebanon and Syria
Syria-Lebanon, Economics, 8/22/1997

The proposed unification of customs duties between Lebanon and Syria opens up important export possibilities, according to Lebanese Industrialists Association President Jaques Sarraf.

On August 21 Sarraf said that the August 20 agreement to proceed gradually with customs unification would help exports. "Syrian duties reach as high as 100 percent, while the highest Lebanese duty is 30 percent. Syria will be lowering its duties. This is something that Lebanon will benefit from," he said.

Defending the quality of local agricultural and industrial goods, Sarraf said that nevertheless compliance to specifications could be improved. "We should have a program where every type of Lebanese product is put under the microscope. If something is not acceptable, then let them tell us why. We should have confidence in Lebanese goods, since they are accepted and marketed in Syria, Iraq, Jordan and Saudi Arabia."

On August 20, Lebanese and Syrian officials agreed to gradually unify duties, provide electricity to Lebanon, cut customs duties on Syria's import of Lebanese bananas, and exchange experts and information on improving commercial exchange.

Previous Stories:
  Joint Lebanon-Syria meeting yeilds trade deals   (8/20/1997)

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