Economic Agreement Reached Between Lebanon and Syria on This File

Minister of Economy and Trade Ammar al-Bassat announced that "work on unifying standards and measurements between Lebanon and Syria has advanced significantly and is now closer to implementation in the coming months, as part of a broader initiative to facilitate trade flows and goods circulation between the two countries."

He noted after a meeting with Yasser Alawi, Director General of the Arab Syrian Standards and Metrology Authority, that "work is accelerating toward achieving consensus on the standards and measurements adopted for goods and merchandise in both countries, with this process expected to be completed within a short timeframe."

The Ministry of Economy emphasized that "this step will practically simplify logistical and technical procedures, open the door to mutual recognition of test results and accredited laboratories in both countries, reduce pressure on border crossings, shorten the time required for cargo inspections, and help accelerate truck movements, transit, and trade exchange. This move goes beyond standardization—it is part of a wider plan to reorganize economic and trade relations between Lebanon and Syria."

It pointed out in a statement that "these files were a central focus during Bassat’s visit to Damascus last July, which led to the formation of a technical committee to address technical issues at border crossings, speed up cargo and truck transit, and lower procedural costs—contributing to easier trade and transport between the two nations," adding that "this path complements the work of the joint Lebanese-Syrian High-Level Committee, aimed at establishing a broader framework for economic and logistical cooperation covering sectors such as transportation, electricity, gas pipelines, and ports."