Golovchenko: more serious joint projects with Syria need to be talked about
During his official visit to the Syrian Arab Republic, Belarus’ Prime Minister Roman Golovchenko met with the Head of Government, Hussein Arnus, in a one-on-one format
At the beginning of the meeting, Mr. Golovchenko conveyed the warmest wishes from Belarusians who are closely watching and empathising with the Syrian people in their struggle for independence and freedom. “This visit demonstrates our political support for the Syrian side, among other aspects,” he stressed, reminding of the strong contacts that the two countries enjoy. “Over the past years (which were very difficult for Syria), we have always been close to you – providing humanitarian assistance and not breaking our economic ties. We have been happy to welcome Syrian children for rehabilitation in our country as well. We believe time has come to talk about more serious joint projects.”
Belarus-Syria trade and economic co-operation has been developing against the background of difficult conditions caused by economic sanctions. Syria is experiencing the destruction of its transport and social infrastructure, an acute shortage of state funds and a decline in its population’s purchasing power.
In 2021, the trade turnover made $8.2m (a growth of 41.3 percent against 2020): exports stood at $7.6m (an increase of 47.9 percent), imports – $0.6m (a growth of 6.1 percent). The balance was positive: $7m.
Belarusian exports to Syria include mostly specific goods, milk powder, whey, medicines, tractors and semi-trailer trucks, and imports comprise olive oil, fruits and vegetables, nuts, and coffee.
A joint Belarusian-Syrian Commission on Trade, Economic and Technical Co-operation is in action, and its eighth meeting was held in Minsk on January 26th-27th, 2022 under the leadership of the Chairman of the State Authority for Military Industry of Belarus, Dmitry Pantus, and the Minister of Public Works and Housing of Syria, Suhail Abdul Latif.
