Syria and Lebanon agreed on Tuesday to expand economic and trade cooperation, with officials from both countries pledging to strengthen institutional partnerships, facilitate business activity and advance investment initiatives as part of efforts to deepen bilateral economic integration.  The commitments were announced during talks in Damascus between Syrian Economy and Industry Minister Nidal al-Shaar and Lebanese Economy and Trade Minister Amer Bisat, who led a delegation visiting Syria.  Speaking at the meeting, al-Shaar said discussions with Lebanese officials had laid the foundations for practical cooperation across multiple sectors in a way that serves the interests of both countries and reinforces joint Arab economic cooperation.  He said the two sides were working to improve information-sharing mechanisms and establish specialized centers for data collection, analysis and performance measurement to support policymaking and improve institutional efficiency.  Al-Shaar added that Syria and Lebanon were finalizing memorandums of understanding between their federations of chambers of commerce and industry, describing the agreements as a step toward expanding economic and investment cooperation and delivering tangible results in the coming period.  Bisat said the Lebanese-Syrian Business Council would serve as a permanent platform for dialogue and implementation of joint initiatives, describing it as a key pillar for strengthening economic and commercial relations between the two countries.  He added that both sides were working to remove obstacles to trade among Arab countries, facilitate the movement of goods and simplify travel procedures for businesspeople to encourage investment and strengthen economic partnerships.  Syrian Embassy Chargé d’Affaires in Lebanon Iyad al-Hazzaa said Syria and Lebanon possess complementary geographic and economic advantages that provide a strong foundation for a genuine partnership based on mutual respect and shared interests.  He added that Syria’s economic opening toward Lebanon marks the first step in a broader series of measures aimed at expanding bilateral cooperation, attracting investment and supporting stability and prosperity in both countries.  The talks follow renewed efforts by Syria and Lebanon to strengthen bilateral ties. Earlier this month, Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam and Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani signed an agreement in Beirut establishing the Syrian-Lebanese Higher Committee, a joint ministerial body aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation. (ICE BEIRUT)

Fonte notizia: Syrian Arab News Agency