Abu dhabi: Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Foreign Trade, met with Dr. Mohammed Nidal Al-Shaar, Syrian Minister of Economy and Industry, to discuss ways to further strengthen trade and investment relations between the two countries. During the meeting, both sides announced the restructuring of the UAE-Syria Business Council, establishing a joint platform to strengthen opportunities for building new partnerships between business communities and the private sector in both countries, and to advance common interests across priority sectors.
According to Emirates News Agency, Al Zeyoudi stated that the reactivation of the UAE-Syria Business Council, including the nomination of members from the Emirati side, is a reflection of both countries' sincere desire to restore trade and investment relations to their full potential. He emphasized the council's role in developing a roadmap to elevate bilateral ties, focusing on cooperation and partnership between the private sectors of both nations.
The restructuring of the Council by the Federation of UAE Chambers is seen as a significant opportunity to achieve shared objectives. The council's Emirati membership comprises elite business leaders and investors interested in sectors such as food security, agricultural investment, logistics, industry, energy, infrastructure, technology, digital transformation, and financial services. Al Zeyoudi highlighted Syria's strategic geographical location, which positions it as a vital logistical and commercial hub in the region, and noted that joint projects will enhance Syria's role as a gateway to the Mediterranean Sea and global markets.
Humaid Mohammed Bin Salem, Secretary-General of the Federation of UAE Chambers of Commerce and Industry, underscored the importance of appointing UAE members to the UAE-Syria Joint Business Council. He explained that this step is crucial for strengthening institutional cooperation between the business communities of both countries and reflects the UAE's commitment to supporting sustainable economic partnerships.
The Emirati side of the UAE-Syria Joint Business Council is chaired by Essa Abdullah Al Ghurair, with Yahya bin Saeed Lootah serving as Vice Chairman. The council's membership includes a distinguished group of Emirati business leaders representing a wide range of economic and investment sectors. Ahmed Jama Al-Qizi, Assistant Secretary-General, serves as Rapporteur of the Council.
The council's composition reflects a broad diversity of expertise and economic sectors, reinforcing its mandate to strengthen trade and investment relations between the UAE and the Syrian Arab Republic and to facilitate partnership opportunities between the business communities of both countries.