Syrian-British businessmen discuss cooperation

Several British businessmen expressed dissatisfaction over the recession in economic relations between Britain and Syria between 1994 and 1997.

British businessmen said that trade between the two countries reached 190 million pounds sterling in 1994. This figure fell to just 39 million pounds sterling.

They expressed concern over fears that cooperation will end altogether unless appropriate measures are taken to revive it. This forms the main objective of meetings held between the two countries businessmen, they said.

The British businessmen added that the main reason behind such a recession in trade exchange between the two countries is the linkage of the British political decision with that of the US as well as the distorted image with which Syria is depicted in Western media.

The British businessmen called for increasing privatization in the Syrian economy, modernizing banking systems and ensuring effective guarantees to protect foreign investment capital in Syria and to cope with technology advancement in the world.

On Tuesday, Syrian and British businessmen concluded round table talks on means of consolidating economic and trade cooperation between Syria and the UK.

The talks centered on three main topics: carrying out joint projects between Syria and Britain, direct investment by British businessmen in Syria, and tourism and tourism promotion.

Syrian businessman Saeb al-Nahhas underlined the importance of tourism in Syria, which occupies an important geographic location on the world tourism map due to its possession of tremendous tourist potential.

Other Syrian businessmen said that Syria has put all its capabilities into operation to service the process of social and economic development.

For their part, the British businessmen confirmed Syria's distinguished role in the Middle East and expressed deep interest in developing Britain's trade and economic ties with Syria.

The talks started Tuesday morning, and Syrian delegation comprising a number of businessmen took part in the meeting.