BEIRUT, June 23 (Xinhua) -- Lebanon's private sector launched the Lebanese-Syrian Business Council on Tuesday to strengthen economic cooperation with neighboring Syria, according to a statement issued by the Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture of Beirut and Mount Lebanon.
The council was established during a meeting at the chamber's headquarters, attended by Economy and Trade Minister Amer Bisat and business leaders from across the country.
Bisat said Prime Minister Nawaf Salam's visit to Syria in May had helped lay the groundwork for a new phase of bilateral cooperation.
He added that a working group headed by Deputy Prime Minister Tarek Mitri is following up on key issues aimed at facilitating economic exchanges, including customs procedures, transit operations, border crossings, and visa-related matters.
Bisat described the council as a practical step toward institutionalizing Lebanese-Syrian economic relations and strengthening trade, transport, and transit links between the two countries.
Businessman Khalil Arab, who was elected president of the council, said its members would prepare a roadmap focusing on enhancing cooperation with the Syrian private sector. ■
