Italy is knocking on the doors of Syrian markets once again through economic and diplomatic gateways. This represents one of the most prominent strategic steps being undertaken by the Italian Embassy in preparation for an anticipated economic breakthrough. These efforts were translated into practical action during a meeting hosted by the Chamber of Industry of Damascus and its Countryside, where the Chairman of the Chamber, Eng. Mohammed Ayman Al-Mawlawi, and members of the Board of Directors, met with His Excellency the Ambassador of the Italian Republic to Damascus, Mr. Stefano Ravagnan, and the Trade Commissioner of the Italian Trade Agency, Ms. Marina Scognamiglio, along with their accompanying delegation, which included representatives of Italian companies participating in the Italian pavilion at the International Construction Exhibition "Buildex."The meeting included a transparent dialogue regarding the mechanism of Italian companies' operations in the Syrian market. It was emphasized that there is no absolute ban preventing Italian companies from concluding contracts and conducting direct business with Syria without the need for a third party, while pointing to the possibility of relying on advance cash payment as a direct and immediate solution to facilitate payments.The Chamber’s board members stressed the importance of time, calling on Italian companies to speed up their investment decisions to take advantage of the promising opportunities currently available in the Syrian market before other markets and competitors seize them. Within the framework of logistical support, the Chamber’s board members announced the preparation of a comprehensive list of existing and operating Syrian factories to be delivered to the Italian side. This aims to reconnect exporters and importers between the two countries, especially in the textiles, yarns, and ready-made garments sectors, where Syria holds competitive advantages. The board members also noted that many industrialists own Italian-made production lines, as Italian industry is renowned for its high quality.In an intervention focusing on upcoming procedural steps, the Italian Ambassador revealed two strategic measures that would create a positive breakthrough in bilateral relations by next summer. The first is facilitating the issuance of visas from Damascus, as he announced the Embassy's intention to utilize the services of TLS contact company to operate from within Damascus, eliminating the need for citizens to travel to Beirut. The company will handle collecting applications and documents in the Syrian capital and sending them to the embassy for processing. He explained that priority in the first phase will be given to business, study, and political visit visas, followed by tourism.The second step is the launch of the Joint Business Council. He pointed out that intensive efforts are being made in coordination with the Minister of Economy and Industry to reactivate the Joint Business Council, noting that this file received a positive push during a recent meeting held on the sidelines of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) activities.Regarding financial and banking transfers, the Chamber's board members indicated the existence of active and ongoing transfer channels between some Syrian banks (such as the Bank of Syria and Overseas) and correspondent banks abroad. The attendees proposed a roundtable meeting bringing together bank representatives to discuss and develop these channels and overcome financial obstacles to serve the interests of the industrial and commercial sectors in both countries.The meeting was attended by Mr. Moataz Tarabichi, Vice Chairman of the Chamber, Mr. Raif Al-Sabaei, member of the Chamber's office, and Hassan Daaboul, Osama Al-Hamwi, and Anas Traboulsi, members of the Chamber's Board of Directors
14/6/2026
