Amman, Nov 24 (Petra) – Minister of Industry, Trade and Supply Yarub Qudah met in Damascus on Monday with Syrian Minister of Economy and Industry, Nidal Shaar, to discuss ways to enhance bilateral economic cooperation and address barriers to the flow of goods between the two countries.

The ministers agreed to open import and export channels between the two countries for all goods, based on the principle of reciprocity, starting next year, which will boost the trade volume and offer greater opportunities for the public and private sectors in both countries.

Qudah stressed the need to accelerate measures to increase the trade volume, enhance cooperation in such sectors as industry, agriculture, energy, and transport, and stimulate the private sector.

He pointed to the "many opportunities" that can be harnessed to expand the economic partnership between the two countries, adding that since the political change in Syria, Jordan has offered all possible support to the Syrian "brothers", particularly providing the Syrian market with its needs of goods, facilitating the transit of Syrian goods and trucks through the Kingdom, and other assistance.

Qudah stressed the importance of moves taken by both sides to expedite trade and revitalize a joint free zone and enhance its investment appeal. He also noted an understanding reached by both countries to activate a previously signed free trade agreement between the two countries.

Qudah further said Jordan can play a key role in Syria's reconstruction with a potential to become a logistical hub for this purpose.

For his part, the Syrian minister stressed the need to streamline customs procedures and improve the trade infrastructure to increase the efficiency of bilateral trade. He also urged closer cooperation between the public and private sectors in Syria and Jordan to benefit both economies.

//Petra//SS