Damascus, July 18 (SANA)The Syria International Textile Exhibition (NASTEX 2026) opened in Damascus on Saturday in the presence of President Ahmad al-Sharaa, with more than 300 exhibitors from over 25 countries participating in the event, which aims to revive Syria’s textile sector and expand investment, production and export opportunities.

The exhibition, held at theDamascus Fairgrounds, seeks to reconnect Syria’s textile industry with technology, financing and international markets, while strengthening domestic supply chains and promoting regional trade.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, NASTEX founder Fadi al-Mhemeed said the exhibition represented the region’s most comprehensive gathering for the textile industry and served as a platform linking industry with investment.

“The exhibition is the region’s most comprehensive gathering for the textile industry, designed to serve as a platform linking industry with investment,” al-Mhemeed said.

He said Syria’stextile industrywas a key driver of economic growth and job creation, adding that the country was entering a new phase focused on production, investment partnerships and industrial development.

“The textile industry is an integral part of Syria’s cultural heritage and identity, and investment in manufacturing will help shape the country’s future,” he added.

Economy and Industry Minister Nidal al-Shaar said NASTEX represented a message of confidence in Syria’s return as a regional hub for manufacturing, industry and trade.

“The ministry’s strategy focuses on creating a more open and competitiveinvestmentenvironment, removing obstacles to production, modernizing industry, encouraging innovation and boosting exports, with the aim of making ‘Made in Syria’ a mark of quality and excellence,” al-Shaar said.

He said the exhibition demonstrated that Syria was not only an emerging market but also an investment and industrial partner with a skilled workforce, extensive industrial experience and a strategic location that could position it as a regional center for textile industries and supply chains.

“The exhibition marks the beginning of a new phase in which confidence in domestic production will grow and the strength of the economy will be measured by its capacity for innovation,” he said.

The exhibition spans 150,000 square meters and brings together manufacturers, suppliers and industry experts from the Middle East, Europe, Asia and Africa to establish business partnerships and explore investment and trade opportunities.

Organizers said NASTEX 2026 aims to contribute toeconomic recoveryefforts by revitalizing Syria’s textile sector, supporting industrial development, creating employment opportunities and strengthening the country’s position in regional and international textile markets.