NASTEX 2026... A Specialized Panel Discussion Sets the Roadmap for the Revival of the Syrian Textile and Cotton Industry
NASTEX 2026: A Specialized Panel Discussion Sets the Roadmap for the Revival of the Syrian Textile and Cotton Industry
Concurrently with the second day of the Syrian International Textile Exhibition (NASTEX 2026), a specialized panel discussion took place to shed light on the state of the Syrian textile sector, exploring ways to develop it and address the value chain challenges facing this strategic industry.
The session featured high-level participation, including Eng. Basil Abdul Hanan (Deputy Minister of Economy and Industry), Mr. Adham Al-Tabbah (Treasurer of the Damascus and Damascus Countryside Chamber of Industry), and Mr. Montaser Qala'aji (Vice Executive Chairman of the Syrian-Saudi Business Council). The Damascus and Damascus Countryside Chamber of Industry also maintained a prominent presence, represented by its Chairman, Eng. Mohammad Ayman Al-Molawi, and Board Member Eng. Wafaa Abu Labdeh.
Key Themes & Outcomes of the Session:
Integration Between Agriculture and Industry:
Panelists emphasized that the competitiveness of textile industries relies primarily on securing a sustainable local supply of raw materials at competitive prices and quality. They highlighted the need to align agricultural policies with the actual needs of factories, positioning cotton as a fundamental input in the economic rebuilding process.
Restoring Historical Cotton Production Levels:
Eng. Basil Abdul Hanan explained that stability in northeastern Syria has enabled ambitious plans to surpass last year’s production and gradually return to historical output levels of around one million tons. He revealed that the Cotton Bureau successfully imported and hybridized new strains tailored to the local environment to boost yields, adding that major corporations are preparing to inject significant capital and lease large tracts of land under long-term contracts to deploy modern irrigation and mechanization techniques.
Public-Private Partnership and Attracting Investment:
Mr. Adham Al-Tabbah noted positive shifts in the sector following the end of previous state monopolies, emphasizing the synergistic cooperation between public and private ginneries to supply all types of yarn. He highlighted that high-quality Syrian medium-staple cotton holds immense global value, making it a prime target for foreign investment. He cited a recent visit by a leading Swiss company to conduct statistical feasibility studies on spinning projects, alongside the readiness of Gulf investors to inject extensive capital into the sector.
Strict Border Quality Control and Trade Openness:
Al-Tabbah called for establishing mandatory, specialized testing laboratories across all land, sea, and air border entry points to inspect textile imports and exports (fabrics, yarns, and garments). This measure aims to enforce environmental and health standards, protecting both national products and consumer safety. Furthermore, he urged the signing of free trade agreements with the European Union and the United States to open new export avenues.
Concluding Vision: Participants agreed that the upcoming phase requires expanding contract farming and establishing integrated spinning facilities to eliminate monopolies, satisfy domestic demand, and open broad, highly competitive export opportunities for Syrian textiles in global markets
20/7/2026
