Lebanon and Syria seek to strengthen economic and trade ties

Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam met with representatives from economic bodies to discuss strengthening economic, commercial, and investment ties between Lebanon and Syria. The meeting included Mohammad Chokair, President of the Economic Bodies, and Khalil Al-Arab, President of the Lebanese-Syrian Business Council, alongside Minister of Economy and Trade Amer Al-Basat.

Discussions focused on overcoming obstacles facing the private sector and activating the Lebanese-Syrian Business Council to facilitate trade exchange, joint investments, and Lebanese exports via Syrian transit. Salam emphasized that enhancing cooperation in transport and energy sectors would create new opportunities for the private sector and benefit both economies.

Additionally, Salam received Dalia Khalifa, the World Bank’s Middle East Director, and Enrique Blanco Armas, the World Bank Office Director in Lebanon. The meeting addressed aligning the World Bank’s project portfolio with government priorities in energy, water, and social protection, as well as the Bank’s role in assessing damages and rehabilitating infrastructure in areas affected by Israeli aggression.