The Cabinet decided to cancel the decision of suspending the importation of goods whose customs duties exceed 5%.

During its weekly meeting held on Tuesday under the chairmanship of Prime Minister  Dr. Adel Safar  the Cabinet also agreed on exempting the Syrian students who are studying in Lebanon and Jordan from departure fees.

It also agreed on exempting the Syrian students who are studying in other than the aforementioned countries from the departure fees and airport tax twice a year.

The Government approved the work directions of the Ministry of Housing and Construction and the affiliated bodies.

In an interview with the Syrian TV  Minister of Economy and Trade Mohammad Nidal al-Shaar said that the decision to suspend importation had a negative impact on the market and raised the prices of goods  and that the decision was reversed due to the legitimate demands of citizens as it had more negative repercussions than expected.

Al-Shaar said that after discussions with citizens  chambers of trade and commerce and farmers  it was apparent that the decision doesn  t suit production and consumption patterns  adding that alternative methods can be used to preserve Syria  s foreign currency reserves while maintaining the flow of goods to and from Syria.

He said that one such method is downsizing the program for financing exports by the Central Bank  which will free up a significant amount of foreign currency  maintain the traders   freedom and keep the flow of goods  thus preventing price hikes and preserving trade agreements with other countries.

Al-Shaar said that the private sector is self-funding and that traders and industrialists often suggested funding imports via their savings and their foreign currency accounts abroad.

He stressed that his ministry is constantly evaluating issues and exchanging opinions with citizens and officials to produce resolutions that benefit citizens first  affirming that prices will return to normal as the government will step in to monitor them without leniency.

Al-Shaar said that there will be new decision to support national industries and employ workers as fighting unemployment is a priority  noting that Syria achieved much in self-sufficiency and that the current state of foreign currency reserves is good.

He concluded by affirming the importance of agriculture in Syrian economy  saying that efforts will be made to advance this sector and achieve added value through agricultural industries.