Barbara Walters chats with Forward Syria
Swaying between art and seduction
Discussing monetary policy with the man in charge
Where the earth screams in horror
0 - Issue 40
British Interest Rising
A recent networking reception in Damascus showed more British businessmen are venturing into the Syrian marketby Forward Staff, Photography by Nabil Nijm
May 16 witnessed the networking event held by the British Embassy for Syrian and British businessmen. This event was held in the British Ambassador Simon Collis’ home and was organized by the Middle East Association, aiming to strengthen business ties between the two countries.
Many renowned business men from different sectors from the two countries were present in the event, which proved to be beneficial and pleasant for both sides. Santosh Kumar, Business Development director of Linnet the British Cable manufacturer, said: “This was a very pleasant event, we’ve always wanted to venture into the Syrian market and this is a great opportunity which resulted in verbal approvals of cooperation with two Syrian companies.”
Although this event was presented in a formal attire, but the attendees immersed in light conversations and got to do more than business there; Philip Winter, the Middle East Territory Manger of Linvic Engineering said: “This was better than I thought it would be, we got to do business, and we got to have delightful conversations with the people present. There is more to Syria than what meets the eye.”
The event included speeches by the British Ambassador Simon Collis and the Middle East Association’s Membership and Marketing Manger Feride Alp, in which they stressed the need for more cooperation between the two nations starting from the business sector and reaching out to all sectors.
Held after a series of meetings with government officials and chambers of industry and commerce representatives, this event concluded the visit of the British businessmen’s delegation to Syria, as one of the numerous visits by European businessmen looking to do business in Syria.
Note that since the start of this year many European business delegations visited Syria from numerous countries, including Italy, Hungary and the UK. Hopefully after the signing of the cooperation agreement between the EU and Syria, visits will become more regular as Syria opens up to the west.
UK visas, easy!
72% out of 6,058 visa applications to the UK were accepted in 2009
On May 5, the British ambassador to Syria Simon Collis and the regional Manger of the UK Visa Affairs Mandy Ephmy met with representatives and members of the commercial and industrial sectors of Syria.
This comes within the efforts to develop more trade ties and relations between both states as mentioned by the British Ambassador. On the other hand, the Regional Manger explained the visas policies and the practical aspects of applying for visit visas which are organized by VFS international. Note that in 2009, a total of 6,058 visa applications were submitted and 72% were accepted.
