Lattakia Chamber of Commerce and Industry Discusses Enhancing Economic and Investment Cooperation with the EU Ambassador
Lattakia Chamber of Commerce and Industry Discusses Enhancing Economic and Investment Cooperation with the EU Ambassador
The Lattakia Chamber of Commerce and Industry received today His Excellency the Ambassador of the European Union to the Syrian Arab Republic, Mr. Michael Ohnmacht, 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, Mr. Abdul Wahab Safar, Director of Internal Trade and Consumer Protection, members of the Chamber's Board of Directors, and the CEO, Mr. Mohammad Shammout. This visit comes within the framework of enhancing economic dialogue and exploring prospects for mutual cooperation.
The Chairman of the Chamber commenced the meeting by welcoming His Excellency the Ambassador and the accompanying delegation. He expressed his appreciation for the European Union's position supporting the lifting of sanctions on Syria, highlighting its significance in supporting the economic recovery phase, improving the business environment, and boosting investment and trade exchange opportunities.
The two sides discussed several economic and trade files, including ways to facilitate visa issuance procedures, address challenges facing import and export operations, particularly reactivating relations and restoring trust with Syrian banks, and strengthening economic relations with European markets. Additionally, they discussed the differences between local and European costs and their repercussions on trade movement and competitiveness, where His Excellency the Ambassador clarified that there are no legal obstacles between the European Union and Syria.
Mr. Anas Joud emphasized the importance of activating the strategic role of the Port of Lattakia as Syria's main maritime gateway, given its distinguished geographical location connecting East Asian markets to the European continent via the Mediterranean Sea. He called for encouraging shipping, maritime transport, navigation, and logistics companies to expand their activities in the port, thereby contributing to revitalizing trade exchange and increasing the efficiency of supply chains.
He also called for boosting European investments in the Lattakia Governorate, leveraging the promising opportunities it offers in the fields of the blue economy and green economy, alongside the tourism and investment sectors—specifically the development of resorts and tourism projects—as well as investing in the agricultural products for which the governorate is renowned, foremost of which are citrus fruits, olives, and tobacco.
The Chairman of the Chamber touched upon the natural, environmental, and tourism potentials that Lattakia Governorate enjoys, including its mountains, forests, coast, and agricultural lands, stressing that these features form an important base for establishing sustainable investment projects that promote economic development and provide new job opportunities.
Furthermore, Mr. Anas Joud presented an overview of the role of the Lattakia Chamber of Commerce and Industry in supporting the commercial and industrial sectors. Meanwhile, members of the Board of Directors introduced themselves and their specializations, confirming their keenness to expand areas of cooperation with economic partners.
For his part, His Excellency Ambassador Michael Ohnmacht reviewed the European Union's role in supporting cooperation with Syria, pointing out the importance of coordination between EU member states' missions and consulates, which contributes to enhancing communication with private sector institutions and developing areas of economic cooperation.
At the conclusion of the meeting, both sides stressed the importance of continuing dialogue and strengthening the economic partnership to serve mutual interests. His Excellency 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 confirming his looking forward to continued communication and cooperation in the coming period
1/7/2026
