DAMASCUS, (SANA) _ The bulk of Saudi investments in Syria amounted to a billion US dollar last year, according to the Syrian-Saudi Businessmen Council.

The Council said that most of the Saudi investments in Syria are in services, rental, and tourism sectors; adding that the increase of the Saudi Investments from about 750 thousands US dollars in 2007 follows the opening of the Saudi Industrial Complex in Syria's Adra Industry Zone, near Damascus.

Emir Walid Bin Talal's ' Al-Mamlakah' Company is the leading Saudi Company investing in Syria: Four-Seasons Hotel construction with a cost of more than 100 million US dollar, Bin Laden Rental and Tourism Company: Al-Nakhil (Palm) Village in Damascus Governorate, and Apamea Resort in Lattakia with a cost of about 50 million US dollar.

Other Saudi Investment Companies active in Syria are 'Mawarad Imar Al-Souidia', which established the Industrial Complex and 'Barada' Investment Fund- by Syrian and Saudi Businessmen- with a capital of 127 million US dollar.

Trade Exchange bulk between Syria and Saudi Arabia nearly reached to about 100 billion Syrian Pound in 2008. The Syrian exports to Saudi Arabia consist mainly of: food stuff, sheep, vegetables, fruits, clothes, textiles, olive oil, cheese, and yogurt.

Al-Ibrahim