The Syrian government has officially recognized China's market
economy status during the meetings of the Third Sino-Syrian Joint
Committee in Damascus on Tuesday and the two countries now stand
ready to deepen bilateral economic and trade cooperation.
During a signing ceremony at the Syrian Ministry of Economy and
Trade, visiting Chinese Assistant Minister of Commerce Chen Jian
and Syrian Deputy Minister of Economy and Trade Ghassan Habash
signed six cooperation agreements.
Describing the results of the committee, Chen said that there
was satisfaction all round at the level of economic and trade
cooperation over the past three years during which bilateral trade
volume reached nearly US$1.5 billion in 2006, doubling 2004 totals.
He added that both sides estimated the volume would reach US$3
billion within five years.
In officially recognizing China's market economy status, Syria
becomes the 74th country to do so, revealed the Ministry of
Commerce.?
"The recognition indicated that both Syria and China would
develop bilateral economic and trade relations in accordance with
the World Trade Organization standards, which is bound to have a
positive impact on future economic cooperation between the two
countries," Chen said.? "Syria is an important Arab country
and the Chinese government attaches great importance to developing
trade and economic cooperation with it," noted Chen.?
Meanwhile, Chen also highlighted the current economic and trade
momentum between China and Arab countries, saying that it has given
rise to a mature operation mechanism.?
He said the prospect of free trade zones between China and some
Arab countries was being discussed, following the existing win-win
model of bilateral trade.
On Monday, Chen Jian held talks with Syrian Deputy Prime
Minister for Economic Affairs Abdullah al-Dardari and Minister of
Economy and Trade Amer Husni Lutfi.?
The talks covered a wide area, reviewing bilateral cooperation
in various fields, especially in terms of industry, information,
petrochemical, food, textile and construction of power
plants.?
Future partnership avenues were also on the agenda, relating to
telecommunications, water and sewage treatment, infrastructure
construction, joint-venture banks, and the creation of joint
universities and research centers.
(Xinhua News Agency June 27, 2007)
