Damascus, SANA – Prime Minister Wael al-Halaqi on Monday met a delegation from the Indian company Apollo International Limited, discussing with them means to speed up the process of putting the scrap iron smelting plant in Hama into service.
Premier al-Halaqi said that the government has high hopes for this plant due to its role in supporting national industry and providing job opportunities.
He stressed the need to develop economic, commercial, and industrial relations between Syria and India, lauding the Indian government support for the Syrian people against terrorism.
Al-Halaqi welcomed the return of Indian companies to the Syrian market, affirming the necessity of having them participate in the reconstruction stage along with companies from other friendly countries.
For his part, the head of the delegation voiced satisfaction over the return of security and stability to several areas in Syria, saying that this will encourage Indian companies to pursue vital development projects in Syria and to take part in the reconstruction stage.
He also lauded the Syrian government’s efforts to provide a suitable atmosphere for Indian companies to work in Syria.
Apollo International Limited, in cooperation with the General Company for Iron and Steel Products in Hama, is working to upgrade the scrap iron smelting plant in the province as per a loan agreement signed by the Syrian and Indian government valued at USD 31 billion. Most of the equipment and machinery need for upgrading and renovating the plant have already been provided.
Hazem Sabbagh