To strengthen regional economic cooperation ties between Damascus and Baghdad towards broad horizons for a promising investment and trade partnership, the Chairman of the Damascus and Countryside Chamber of Industry, Eng. Mohammad Ayman Al-Mawlawi, met with a delegation from the Baghdad Chamber of Commerce. The delegation was headed by Mr. Duraid Al-Ghurairi, a board member of the chamber and head of foreign relations. The meeting aimed to discuss mutual cooperation for businessmen, facilitate and increase trade exchange, ensure the mobility of production, and open new trade corridors that meet the aspirations of both countries. The meeting was attended by Mr. Osama Al-Nann, a board member of the chamber, and industrialist Radwan Daoud. Representing the Baghdad Chamber of Commerce were Mr. Qais Qassem Mohammad, a board member, and Mr. Abdullah Al-Obaidi, the chamber's advisor, alongside a number of prominent businessmen.The delegation explained that their visit to Damascus aims to convey a realistic image and positive news to the Iraqi public, increase investment, and open new horizons for cooperation. They expressed their aspiration to organize expanded economic forums, invite investors, and facilitate the movement of productive businessmen to benefit from Syria's competitive advantages and expert workforce. Furthermore, they confirmed the chamber's readiness to provide all facilities and brief Syrian industrialists on them.During the meeting, Mr. Duraid Al-Ghurairi pointed out that maritime shipping disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz and the significant challenges facing Iraqi merchants when importing from distant markets, such as the Chinese market—including shipment delays of up to three months and doubled maritime freight costs—have imposed a new reality. This reality makes cooperation with the Syrian industry a strategic choice and a golden opportunity for both sides. He noted ongoing efforts to reopen border crossings and ease customs procedures, in addition to the importance of mutual participation in conferences and exhibitions, foremost of which is the Baghdad International Fair.For his part, Eng. Mohammad Ayman Al-Mawlawi affirmed full readiness to overcome all obstacles and provide services and facilities to Iraqi businessmen and industrialists to elevate the volume of trade exchange. He highlighted the integration of the chamber's tasks with the Baghdad Chamber of Commerce for direct linking between merchants and manufacturers. Al-Mawlawi called on the Iraqi side to work jointly towards facilitating the issuance of entry visas for Syrian businessmen and industrialists into Iraqi territories. He also extended an invitation to the Iraqi delegation to attend upcoming specialized exhibitions, most notably the "Syria Tex" exhibition for textile and clothing industries, scheduled to take place next September.In the same context, Mr. Osama Al-Nann confirmed that specialized exhibitions have reclaimed their pivotal role as economic platforms covering the food, textile, chemical, and engineering sectors. He pointed out that direct engagement with markets has proven the quality, durability, and high competitiveness of the Syrian national product, as well as consumer confidence in its excellence.The meeting also witnessed discussions on the possibility of granting mutual honorary membership between the two chambers to interested members to establish a qualitative phase of joint coordination. Additionally, they discussed mechanisms for granting commercial agencies for Syrian industrial products in Iraqi markets, in response to the high demand and great satisfaction that Syrian goods enjoy among Iraqi consumers
9/8/2026
