Syria benefiting from import restrictions, claims minister

Syrian Economy Minister Mohammad Zafer Mohabbak Syrian Economy Minister Mohammad Zafer Mohabbak has claimed that the recent economic decisions to restrict the import of goods in to Syria has eased the pressure on the black market and allowed traders to secure the commodities they need.
Speaking to Syrian newspaper al-Watan, the minister lashed out at those who seek to "manipulate the market" by mixing the hard currency trade with commodity trading. He said that the government would only help those people who want to trade in commodities, explaining that the government would import the required goods for the traders allowing them to transfer these commodities to their customers.
Mohabbak promised to prioritise the delivery of "important" commodities to meet the demands of the dealers, adding that eventually, all essential commodities would be available in the Syrian market.
The minister explained that the state would allow dealers to import what they need as long as they pay for these commodities from their foreign assets, to prevent the increasing demand of the dollar in the black market.
Mohabbak said would import basic commodities based on good relations between the Syrian regime and several other countries. He added that these basic goods would be sold to local dealers at fixed prices.