KARACHI, April 5: A high-powered Syrian delegation led by Dr. Ghassan S. El-Rifai, minister for economy and trade, visited the Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Industry and discussed means of expanding economic, commercial and investment cooperation between the business community of Syria and Pakistan in particular and OIC countries in general.

Secretary General of ICCI, Aqeel Al-Jassem welcoming the Syrian minister and members of his delegation, pointed out that Islamic chamber is a place wide open for meeting of businessmen from Muslim countries. Its activities are focused on bringing the private sectors of Islamic countries together, in order to enable them to discuss ways and means of expanding existing ties and to promote investment and explore new markets.

This year the 9th private sector meeting for promotion of trade and joint venture investment among Islamic countries will be held in Sharjah, UAE, on December 21-23, 2002.

Dr. Ghassan said the purpose of his delegation visit to Pakistan was to activate economic and investment cooperation between the two countries. He said Syria had concluded several mutual agreements for encouraging and protecting foreign investment.

“Syria will soon become a full member of the MIGA of the WB, whereby foreign investments in Syria would get legal cover against all risks,” he added.—APP