Syria Courts Chinese Construction Firms to Rebuild After War

(Bloomberg) -- Syria has started talks with Chinese construction companies to rebuild the war-ravaged country as its security situation improves, the president said.

“Now, with the liberation of most areas, we have started discussions with a number of Chinese companies experienced in reconstruction,” President Bashar Al-Assad told Chinese broadcaster Phoenix Television, according to a transcript published by Syria’s state-run Sana news agency. “It is well known that rebuilding countries destroyed partially or totally by war is very profitable and has high returns on investment,” he said.

Read: Why What Happens in Syria Matters Beyond Its Borders: QuickTake

The government has discussed ways to “evade sanctions” with Chinese companies and they have shown interest, according to Assad. Beijing’s support could also help create jobs for millions of Syrian refugees who have returned, he said.

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