Meeting with Syrian agriculture minister shortly to boost trade

The minister of agriculture Ghazi Zeaiter described as fruitful the negotiations he undertook with Syrian officials on the sidelines of the Damascus International Fair concerning bilateral agreements. He mentioned some 36 arrangements, in addition to the cooperation and coordination agreement which has had practical outcomes on the export of made-in-Lebanon agricultural goods and on Lebanese farmers across the country. With Syria being the main export gateway to the Arab world, Zeaiter stated, the closure of crossings has led to a crisis in export and to a relatively expensive maritime bridge plan that cost the State around LBP 50 billion for subsidizing exports. To recall, the participation of industry, agriculture and public works ministers in the Damascus Fair did not receive the Cabinet’s full support. Zeaiter’s statement came during his meeting with farmers and agricultural associations in Baalbak, where he spoke of an imminent encounter with his Syrian counterpart to complete the application and activation processes of relevant agreements and the opening of Syrian borders with Jordan and Iraq. (Al Diyar, September 5, 2017)

Previous related news: 
Syrian-Lebanese economic cooperation away from cabinet’s approval
Crisis of agricultural exports to Syria eases amidst a slight regression in foreign trade deficit