Lattakia Chamber of Commerce and Industry Discusses Economic and Investment Cooperation with EU Ambassador
Lattakia Chamber of Commerce and Industry Discusses Economic and Investment Cooperation with EU Ambassador
The Lattakia Chamber of Commerce and Industry received His Excellency Michael Ohnmacht, the Ambassador of the European Union to the Syrian Arab Republic, and his accompanying delegation. The meeting was attended by the Chairman of the Chamber, Mr. Anas Joud; members of the Executive Bureau of Lattakia Governorate, Dr. Essam Soufi and Mr. Bashar Kilo; the Director of Internal Trade and Consumer Protection, Mr. Abdul Wahab Safar; members of the Chamber’s Board of Directors; and the Chief Executive Officer, Eng. Mohammad Shammout. This visit took place within the framework of strengthening economic dialogue and exploring prospects for mutual cooperation.
The Chairman of the Chamber initiated the meeting by welcoming His Excellency the Ambassador and the accompanying delegation. He expressed his appreciation for the European Union's supportive stance toward lifting sanctions on Syria, emphasizing its vital importance in boosting the economic recovery phase, improving the business environment, and enhancing investment and trade exchange opportunities.
Both sides discussed several strategic economic and trade portfolios, including mechanisms to streamline visa issuance procedures and address challenges facing import and export operations. Discussions also highlighted the activation of banking channels, rebuilding trust with Syrian banks, and strengthening economic ties with European markets. Additionally, they examined the differences between local and European costs and their implications on trade movement and competitiveness. In this context, Ambassador Ohnmacht clarified that there are no legal obstacles preventing exchange between the European Union and Syria.
Mr. Anas Joud emphasized the strategic importance of the Port of Lattakia as Syria's primary maritime gateway, highlighting its prominent geographical location that connects East Asian markets to the European continent via the Mediterranean Sea. He called for encouraging shipping, maritime transport, and logistics companies to expand their operations at the port, thereby stimulating trade movement and increasing the efficiency of supply chains.
Furthermore, he urged the promotion of European investments in Lattakia Governorate to capitalize on the promising opportunities provided by its diverse natural, environmental, and tourism assets. He specifically pointed to fields such as the blue economy, green economy, tourism sector development, resort projects, and investments in agricultural products for which the governorate is renowned, foremost among which are citrus fruits, olives, and tobacco. He noted that these features form an essential foundation for establishing sustainable investment projects that promote economic development and generate new job opportunities.
For his part, Ambassador Michael Ohnmacht reviewed the European Union's role in supporting cooperation with Syria, pointing out the significance of continuous coordination between EU member states' missions and consulates to enhance communication with private sector institutions and develop economic cooperation.
At the conclusion of the meeting, both parties reaffirmed the importance of sustained dialogue and strengthening the economic partnership to serve mutual interests. The Ambassador expressed his gratitude to the Lattakia Chamber of Commerce and Industry for the warm reception and hospitality, praising the positive atmosphere that prevailed during the meeting and looking forward to ongoing communication and cooperation in the coming period
3/7/2026
