Lebanese and Syrian Business Councils Outline Roadmap for Economic Cooperation

The Lebanese-Syrian Business Council, chaired by Khalil Al Arab, and the Syrian-Lebanese Business Council, led by Dr. Layla Al Saman, held a working meeting at the Beirut and Mount Lebanon Chamber of Commerce. The session focused on following up on issues and topics agreed upon during the recent visit to Syria and on continuing coordination regarding their implementation mechanisms between the Lebanese and Syrian sides.

Representing the Lebanese side alongside Al Arab were Wasim Daher, Jack Ghazi Sarraf, Dr. Rida Al Mays, Michel Abshi, and the council’s secretary general, Alphonse Dib.

From the Syrian side, in addition to Dr. Al Saman, the meeting included the council’s vice president, Dr. Riyad Abji, and the executive director, Adib Basatni.

A statement issued after the meeting noted that both parties praised the positive outcomes of the visit to Syria and affirmed their determination to continue joint cooperation to implement the agreed-upon measures. This framework serves as a roadmap to strengthen bilateral economic relations, relying on the role of the private sector in both countries to achieve economic integration.

The statement clarified that the meeting primarily addressed investment opportunities and projects presented during the visit, as well as mechanisms to introduce them to the Lebanese private sector and encourage investment. It also examined ways to enhance economic cooperation across various sectors, including tourism, trade, industry, agriculture, information technology, and other areas of mutual interest.

The participants also discussed several technical and procedural issues requiring follow-up with official authorities in both countries. The goal is to create a more conducive environment for developing economic cooperation and to remove obstacles hindering business and investment activities, thereby contributing to establishing the foundations of economic integration between Lebanon and Syria.