In tandem with the pulse of innovation witnessed at the Syrian International Textile Exhibition "NASTEX 2026", the activities of the second day featured a specialized panel discussion. The session placed the long-standing textile sector under the microscope of development and revival. At its commencement, the session brought together Mr. Basel Abdul Hanan, Deputy Minister of Economy and Industry; Mr. Adham Al-Tabbaa, Treasurer of the Damascus and Countryside Chamber of Industry; and Mr. Montaser Qala'aji, Vice President of the Syrian-Saudi Business Council, to discuss ways to revive the value chain of this strategic sector and dismantle the challenges facing it.Mr. Adham Al-Tabbaa highlighted the tangible positive transformations taking place in the sector. He announced the end of the previous monopoly that prevailed in past years, thanks to government efforts. He confirmed that private sector cotton ginneries have actually commenced production, working in integration with the public sector to provide all types of cotton yarns. Al-Tabbaa pointed out that Syrian cotton, due to its high quality as medium-staple cotton, possesses a global value comparable to gold. This has made it a major focus of foreign investment. A leading Swiss company visited the country to conduct statistical studies on spinning projects, in conjunction with the readiness of Gulf investors to inject massive investments into this vital artery.At the conclusion of his intervention, Al-Tabbaa called for obligating border crossings to provide specialized laboratories to inspect the quality of textile sector imports—including fabrics, yarns, and garments—to ensure compliance with environmental and health specifications. He also emphasized the need to strictly enforce this laboratory inspection at all land, sea, and air ports for both raw materials and finished goods, whether destined for the local market or for re-export, to protect the national product and ensure consumer safety. In a related context, Al-Tabbaa called for concluding free trade agreements with the United States of America and the European Union to facilitate and open new horizons for exporting local textile products.The visions concluded with an agreement that the future direction centers on activating contract farming and establishing integrated spinning facilities that break monopolies, meet the needs of the local market, and open wide horizons for exporting Syrian textiles to global markets with high efficiency and competitiveness
23/7/2026
