Plans to Implement the Trade Agreement between Lebanon and Syria

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Plans to implement the trade agreement between Lebanon and Syria

On Wednesday, 30 June, a Russian ship arrived at the port of Beirut carrying a variety of products and goods that Russia will exhibit at the upcoming Damascus Fair. The Trade Attaché at the Russian Embassy arrived on board that same ship and went straight to Damascus to prepare the Russian pavilion at the Fair; he is due back in Beirut on Saturday morning.

The Lebanese authorities forbade any contact with the ship's sailors and, at the same time, forbade the latter from coming ashore and visiting the city.

The Russian Attaché’s mission is to meet with the Lebanese company which was established with a capital of 2 million Lebanese pounds.

George Dagher, the intermediary between this company and the Embassy’s Trade Attache, said that according to the agreement Russia will undertake to import Lebanese products, such as apples, citrus fruits, onions, and other products. He also said that the company, which was established to oversee imports and exports between the two countries, has contacted senior Lebanese merchants and proposed a system by which it would buy their products directly from them. It would sell them Russian industrial goods, such as transport vehicles, cars, and tractors for one third of the price of their products and pay them the remaining two thirds in cash.

As an example, they say that if a farmer's crop of potatoes costs 30,000 Lebanese pounds, the company will sell him a transport vehicle, car, or tractor for one third of that amount, and pay him the remaining two thirds in cash.

This process will allow Russia to obtain agricultural products straight from the farmer at reduced prices. It also enhances trade cooperation and exchange since the company would sell a variety of Russian products to non farmers, as well.

The company in question fears that this agreement will compel farmers to raise their prices, and intends to discuss this issue at a meeting to be held this week at the Russian Embassy between the Trade Attaché, the company and representatives of Lebanese farmers, and industrialists, to coordinate these exchanges and start implementing the agreement.