Syria hopes for the further progress in economic cooperation with Belarus and wants to develop joint projects meeting the mutual interests of the two countries, Syrian Prime Minister Imad Khamis said as he met with Belarus' Industry Minister Vitaly Vovk on 11 April. He remarked that huge assistance will be provided to Belarusian companies in export and import operations. The Belarusian industry minister, in turn, expressed readiness to implement projects in Syria. He added that the two sides agreed to hold joint sessions of the committee every six months. According to Vitaly Vovk, the sides discussed to set up factories for the assembly of Belarusian machines and other devices. Belarus also started to export foodstuffs to Syria. The sides also discussed the export of medications for the treatment of chronic diseases to Syria. Vitaly Vovk mentioned Belarus' eagerness to take part in the restoration of Syria, expressed interest in the import of Syrian cotton, phosphates and agricultural products. Besides, the sides signed a contact for the import of 157 dump trucks and other machines. The representatives of the Board of Directors of Damascus and its Chamber of Industry also met with Vitaly Vovk and the accompanying delegation. The participants of the meeting discussed the enhancement of cooperation in the import of machines, equipment and raw materials needed for the development of Syria's manufacturing sector. The sides also discussed the export of Syrian products and goods to Belarusian markets, the establishment of joint ventures, focused on the demand of the local market and manufacturers for such products as medications, foodstuffs and baby milk. The Syrian side invited Belarusian companies to take part in the Damascus International Fair which is scheduled for August. Syria's representative in the Syrian-Belarusian Joint Business Council Imad Maatouq said that a delegation of Syrian manufacturers and exporters will visit Belarus, closely inspect trade and investment opportunities and hold talks with the Belarusian side focusing on the efforts to eradicate obstacles hindering the transfer of funds between the two countries. Minister of Agriculture and Agrarian Reform Ahmad al-Qadri and Vitaly Vovk discussed the prospects of agricultural cooperation and the provision of machines, engineering equipment and tractors to the agrarian sector. Ahmad al-Qadri remarked that Syria is looking for new markets to sell its agricultural products to friendly countries. Vitaly Vovk, in turn, expressed Belarus' readiness to offer new agricultural equipment, including tractors and harvesters.