Syria, Iraq boost bilateral trade relations

A correspondent for the Jordanian daily al-Doustour in Damascus, Fuad Humera, quoted well informed sources as saying that a Syrian trade delegation, led by chairman of the Syrian chambers of trade and industry, Rateb al-Shallah, will visit Baghdad within the coming days to open the first Syrian trade center in Baghdad.

The paper added that the Syrian delegation will also include representatives of the Syrian ministries of foreign affairs, economy and industry and the private sector.

It added that the Syrian trade center in Baghdad will be under the supervision of the private sector. Its inauguration has come as a result of a Syrian - Iraqi agreement reached in the middle of last July and provided for opening trade centers in Damascus and Baghdad.

The paper added that decision to open the Iraqi trade center in Damascus is still under study, noting that executive measures have not been taken yet in this respect. Al-Doustour added that according to Syrian economic sources Iraq will for the second year running take part in the coming session of the Damascus International Fair to be opened in the middle of September.

It added that the Syrian ministry of economy has approved Iraq's participation, adding that the Damascus Chamber of Commerce will provide the Iraqi pavilion's requirements for the fair.