Post by : Bianca
Haleem
The United Arab Emirates and Syria have taken another step toward strengthening their economic partnership as Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of Foreign Trade, met with Dr. Mohammed Nidal Al-Shaar, Syria’s Minister of Economy and Industry, to discuss expanding trade and investment cooperation between the two countries.
During the meeting, both ministers announced the restructuring of the UAE-Syria Business Council. The renewed council will serve as a joint platform to encourage stronger cooperation between the business communities and private sectors of both countries while creating new opportunities for partnerships across priority economic sectors.
UAE Highlights Commitment to Stronger Bilateral Relations
Speaking during the announcement, Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi said the reactivation of the UAE-Syria Business Council, together with the appointment of Emirati members, reflects the shared commitment of both nations to restore trade and investment relations to their full potential.
He stated that both countries aim to create the right environment for deeper economic cooperation and stronger bilateral ties that match their shared development ambitions.
Al Zeyoudi added that the council will prepare a roadmap designed to expand economic relations by strengthening collaboration and partnerships between the private sectors of the UAE and Syria.
Council to Focus on Key Growth Sectors
Al Zeyoudi said the restructuring of the council by the Federation of UAE Chambers represents an important opportunity to achieve the common economic goals of both countries.
According to him, the Emirati members include leading business executives and investors with expertise in major sectors such as food security, agricultural investment, logistics, industry, energy, infrastructure, technology, digital transformation, and financial services.
He also highlighted Syria's strategic geographical location, describing it as an important logistics and commercial hub in the region. He said future joint projects between the UAE and Syria can strengthen Syria's position as a gateway to the Mediterranean Sea and international markets.
Federation of UAE Chambers Supports New Business Platform
Humaid Mohammed Bin Salem, Secretary-General of the Federation of UAE Chambers of Commerce and Industry, said appointing the UAE members to the UAE-Syria Joint Business Council marks an important step in strengthening institutional cooperation between the business communities of both countries.
He said the move reflects the UAE's commitment to supporting sustainable economic partnerships that benefit both nations.
Bin Salem added that activating the council will improve direct communication between business leaders and investors, encourage trade and investment partnerships, and open new opportunities across several priority sectors.
Leadership and Membership of the UAE-Syria Joint Business Council
The Emirati side of the UAE-Syria Joint Business Council will be chaired by Essa Abdullah Al Ghurair, while Yahya bin Saeed Lootah will serve as Vice Chairman.
The council includes the following Emirati members:
- Ahmed Abdulqader Al-Sankari
- Mohammed Juma Al-Musharrakh
- Amer Al-Bakrawi
- Sultan Hareb Al-Falahi
- Faisal Abdulaziz Abdullah Al-Zarooni
- Mohammed Fariz Abdul-Mutabin Al-Akhavan
- Aref Al-Khoury
- Saeed Al-Zari Al-Shamsi
- Hamda Al-Mansoori
- Mohammed Murtada Al-Dandashi
- Yousra Saleh Al-Yafei
- Amna Al-Dhaheri
- Mohammed Firas Al-Hamwi
- Iyad Khalil Matar
- Mohammed Abdullah Al-Habsi
Ahmed Jama Al-Qizi, Assistant Secretary-General, will serve as the Rapporteur of the Council.
Council Aims to Expand Business Opportunities
The composition of the council brings together representatives from a wide range of economic and investment sectors. This broad expertise is intended to support stronger trade and investment relations between the UAE and the Syrian Arab Republic while creating new partnership opportunities for businesses in both countries.
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