- Title: SYRIA: Technological products made in Iran go on show in Damascus exhibition
- Date: 10th February 2011
- Summary: (SOUNDBITE) (Arabic) FIRAS SHOMAL, A SYRIAN BUSINESSMAN, SAYING: ''They hinted the prices to us, but it's obvious they want to do business in Syria. They're coming here to encourage the industry. They always tell us they export to Turkey and say that their prices are better than Turkish prices. We need to start more negotiations with them so that we can get the best result
- Embargoed: 25th February 2011 12:00
- Keywords:
- Location: Syrian Arab Republic
- Country: Syria
- Topics: International Relations,Science / Technology
- Reuters ID: LVAOJGGZN85S8DSGJJDXLAMQA5Z
- Story Text: Iran's technological skills and developments are being showcased in Syria as part of the 'Iran Hi-Tech Expo'.
The exhibition which is the first of its kind is taking place in the Syrian capital Damascus.
Stalls flanked with Iranian flags displayed a a range of technological products including satellites, radars and rockets.
Among the scores of exhibitors was Hamid Rida Abbaszadeh, export manager of Iran's Space Research Centre.
"It isn't especially for Syria. We want to have it in other Islamic countries. But it is the first exhibition in Syria because we want it to develop in the science and technology," said Abbaszadeh.
The exhibition which started on Monday (February 7) will last for four days.
More than 130 Iranian companies are taking part in the event, among them are medical, aviation, gas and communication companies.
Nancy Meshkati, a translator in the division of Marine Radar, said it isn't only businessmen who are interested in their work, but also students.
"This exhibition is very good for the Syrians and Iranians because the Iranians exhibit their new technology. The Syrians received this exhibition very well. Especially, in this room, the students were asking about our work and they liked the radar,'' she said.
The event provides the Islamic Republic of Iran with an opportunity to boast about its technological achievements, showing that despite sanctions it has not hindered advances in its technology.
But U.S. and European Union sanctions have forced many international energy companies to stop doing business with Iran and freeze their investment plans in the Islamic Republic.
In Syria, businessmen welcomed the opportunity to do business with Iran, saying their prices are competitive when compared to other states, ''They hinted the prices to us, but it's obvious they want to do business in Syria. They're coming here to encourage the industry. They always tell us they export to Turkey and say that their prices are better than Turkish prices. We need to start more negotiations with them so that we can get the best results. As for Chinese products, yes we can get them, but with Iran agreements are better. China's prices are good, but it's obvious the Iranians want to do business with Syria,'' said Syrian businessman Firas Shomal.
In the past Iran and Syria have shown displays of unity and many economic agreements exist between the two nations including those for cooperation and co-ordination between the Syrian Air Company and Civil Iranian Air company in training, technical support, air shipping and food services.
Syria and its ally Iran have repeatedly said they want to improve economic cooperation, but several projects have been delayed, including a 140,000 barrel per day refinery in Syria. - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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