Pakistan, Syria agree to strengthen bilateral trade

According to Business Recorder, Pakistan and Syria reached an understanding to expand trade and investment links. The focus is on sectors tied to Syria's reconstruction, with real estate, power, roads, seaports, farming and manufacturing named as possible areas for joint work. The understanding came out of talks in Islamabad between Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani and Federal Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan.

Jam Kamal described the bilateral relationship as longstanding and rooted in common history, culture and mutual regard. He pointed to export potential in textiles, pharmaceuticals, leather, food and light engineering, and urged more interaction between private sectors. Al-Shaibani outlined reconstruction priorities and proposed a Pakistan-Syria Joint Business Council plus a joint investment forum in Damascus. He also told Jam Kamal that officials from Syria's economy ministry would come to Pakistan to examine collaboration.

Jam Kamal suggested tight coordination among trade bodies so that priority industries are pinpointed and a workable plan is drafted. He also recommended virtual meetings between businesses before physical engagements, and revival of the Joint Ministerial Commission with its working groups. He said Pakistan was prepared to consider sending a trade delegation to Syria, and both ministers pledged to keep communicating closely so that current goodwill yields tangible results in commerce and investment.