Syrian President visit a boost to India Syria ties

2008-06-18 22:05:24 - Syrian President Bashar al-Assad arrived in New Delhi on Tuesday on his five day visit

Bashar al-Assad said India has always played a big role in West Asia peace. He hoped his visit will give a boost to India Syria ties.President ,Al-Assad, who is accompanied on his five-day visit by his wife Asma and a high-level delegation, was received at the Indira Gandhi International Airport by Minister of State for External Affairs E Ahamed.

The Syrian President Al- Assad,held talks with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Tuesday on issues aimed to broaden bilateral ties, particularly in the fields of economic, trade and energy.The two leaders discussed the situation in Arab world including Iran and Iraq.

Tthe two countris official signed an agreement on Double Taxation Avoidance Treaty (DTAA) and a pact on prevention of fiscal evasion on taxes on income.

President is to travel to Bangalore and visit tour information technology and biotechnology establishments as well as the Indian Space Research Organisation.

The Syrian first couple will also visit the Taj Mahal.

"We hope the visit is going to give a very good impetus to Syria-India relations," Syrian Expatriates Minister Bouthaina Shaaban said.

Visiting dignatory President al-Assad on Wednesday invited Indian businessmen to tap the "enormous" potential in the areas including the energy sector, offered by the Arab country, which has ushered in major economic reforms.
"I invite you to explore opportunities for joint ventures and other collaboration in major areas, including infrastructure development, energy production and mineral processing as well as IT education and training opportunities," he said addressing Indian businessmen in New Delhi.

Syrian President pointed economic reforms ushered in his country has seen growth of 6.6 per cent last year from the less than one per cent growth in 2000.

"I am confident that we will continue to build on these successes in the coming years with further reforms and strong partnerships," al-Assad said at a business session jointly organised by industry bodies FICCI, CII and ASSOCHAM.

The Syrian national strategy has targeted key areas to support opportunity and inclusive growth, he said adding that the priority of his government was to create a "fertile investment environment."

"Economically, improvements in the taxation and exchange rate system have helped strengthen the economy's fiscal and monetary base," the visiting President said.

Al-Assad said that measures were afoot to set up the country's first stock market and steps like elimination of restrictions on imports, lower tariffs for local manufacturing and increased access to foreign exchange have gradually begun to liberalise trade.