Damascus, (SANA)-Businessmen delegation of the Turkish city Denizli and their counterparts of Damascus Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday agreed to establish joint trade, industrial and investment partnerships.

Governor of Denizli Salih Erdogan said the meeting with Syrian businessmen in Damascus is an opportunity to be introduced to the Syrian market and activate cooperation to establish future projects.

Denizli is one of the most vital textile centers in Turkey. It is also known for metal and agricultural industries where its exports amount to USD 3 billion annually.

Deputy Chairman of Damascus Chamber of Commerce Baha Eddin Hasan invited Turkish businessmen to benefit from the appropriate investment atmosphere in Syria given its geographic position and trade agreements signed with Arab countries, expressing hope that investment and trade exchange with Turkey will increase after canceling visa requirements between both countries.

Syrian-Turkish trade relations have stepped up rapidly over past years. Trade exchange increased from USD 400 million before 2004 up to USD 2 billion in 2009. Both countries hope to increase trade exchange volume to USD 5 billion in the coming two years.

Haifa Said /Mazen