Khaberni - Khalil Al Hajj Tawfiq, president of the Jordan Chamber of Commerce, discussed with Qutaiba Badawi, president of the Syrian General Authority for Ports and Customs, ways to facilitate the movement of imports and exports between the countries, which will positively reflect on the fluidity of their trade exchanges and support of joint economic activity.
During the meeting, which was held at the headquarters of the Authority in Damascus in the presence of the Jordanian Ambassador to Syria, Dr. Sofyan Al-Qudah, mechanisms were also discussed to enhance the entry of products from both countries in both directions, achieving a balance in the trade balance and serving mutual interests.
The meeting addressed the issue of the adopted customs tariff, and ways to develop it to simplify procedures and reduce costs, in addition to working on unifying some technical and administrative procedures to facilitate the passage of goods through border crossings.
Al Hajj Tawfiq confirmed that the Jordanian commercial sector is keen to follow the royal directives to enhance the kingdom's economic relations with brotherly Syria, especially after the outcomes of the second session of the High Coordination Council between Syria and Jordan held in Amman.
During the meeting, which was also attended by Amer Al Ali, president of the Syrian Chambers of Commerce, Al Hajj Tawfiq emphasized the need to build on the historic relations that unite the two countries and translate that into reality, affirming that economic relations should not be based on reciprocity but on genuine mutual interests.
He expressed hope that all decisions related to the entry of trucks into Syrian territory would be reconsidered, aiming to enhance and encourage the exchange of goods and their smooth flow, affirming that regional conditions in the area necessitate the easing of restrictions on the movement of supply chains.
He confirmed that Aqaba port is an important logistical gateway for Syria and plays a significant role in passing its imports from various parties, in addition to its role in supporting transit, just as Bab al-Hawa crossing is an important artery for Jordan's trade with the European Union.
Al Hajj Tawfiq indicated that Syria represents an important source for Jordan in terms of livestock and red meat, which requires facilitating import processes, and he proposed forming a joint committee from the private sector to study the lists of goods and products exchanged between the countries and take into account the special characteristics of what each country produces to ensure overcoming any restrictions on their trade exchanges.
On his part, Badawi affirmed his country's keenness to expand the export opportunities of Syrian goods to the Jordanian markets, as well as the entry of Jordanian products to the Syrian market, emphasizing the necessity of reaching a clear customs equation that serves both countries.
He confirmed that the authority is keen on continuing coordination and consultation with various relevant entities to support the trade relations of the two countries and open wider horizons for commercial cooperation, granting the private sector a role in this.
For his part, the ambassador Al Qudah confirmed that Syria's success is Jordan's success, praising the achievements made in the new phase.
Al Qudah emphasized the necessity to provide all possible facilitations to the private sector, enabling it to push the trade relations of the two countries to higher levels and capitalize on the available opportunities.
