Under the generous sponsorship of the Presidency of the Syrian Arab Republic, the NasTex 2026 Launch Conference in Aleppo, the industrial capital of Syria, kicked off with wide participation from major industrialists, investors, and a significant official presence. The extensive participation in the conference confirmed the importance of the textile sector in Aleppo and the thirst of the city’s people—industrialists, investors, and businessmen—for more work in Syria’s most famous industrial city. The conference witnessed important speeches delivered to the audience and an economic session that discussed the most prominent ideas, opportunities, and challenges to advance this national sector.
Official Presence at the NasTex 2026 Launch Conference in Aleppo
The NasTex 2026 Launch Conference in Aleppo witnessed wide participation from official figures, merchants, and industrialists. Prominent attendees included: His Eminence the Mufti of Aleppo and Dean of the Faculty of Sharia, Dr. Ibrahim Shasho; the Governor of Aleppo, Eng. Azzam Gharib; the Deputy Minister of Economy and Industry, Eng. Basil Abdul Hanan; the Head of the Aleppo Chamber of Industry, Mr. Taha Qasim; the Head of the Syrian-Turkish Businessmen Council, Mr. Hussam Al-Din Al-Tatri; and Mr. Fadi Al-Ahmad, the founder of the NasTex exhibition.
Important Speeches at the NasTex 2026 Launch Conference in Aleppo
Fadi Al-Ahmad at the NasTex 2026 Launch Conference in Aleppo
Mr. Fadi Al-Ahmad began his speech by talking about the importance of the textile sector in Syria as a vital national sector that secures a large number of jobs, constitutes a basic pillar of the national economy, and is a fundamental step towards restoring the brilliance of this industry. He stated: “NasTex is the beginning of a phase in which we weave our story.” During the economic session, he also emphasized the important role of textiles in all sectors and the integration of this role, saying: “From the silkworm and synthetic fibers to satellites, these are all textiles.”
Speech by His Eminence Sheikh Ibrahim Shasho
His Eminence the Mufti of Aleppo and Dean of the Faculty of Sharia at the University of Aleppo, Sheikh Ibrahim Shasho, expressed his belief in Aleppo’s ability to return to its rightful place with direct support from the Presidency of the Republic, represented by Mr. Ahmed Al-Sharaa, President of the Syrian Arab Republic, quoting him: “The President told me personally: I will make and soon declare Aleppo the economic capital of Syria.” He also emphasized Aleppo’s historical standing, saying: “Aleppo has a written message in the heart of time that enemies listen to… It is Aleppo, the city of loyalty and the city of self-sufficiency.” His Eminence added: “Aleppo has been known throughout history for its industry, and the most important of these industries are the textile industries.”
The Governor of Aleppo Emphasizes Aleppo’s Historical Role
Eng. Azzam Gharib, Governor of Aleppo, considered the textile industry deeply rooted in the identity of the city of Aleppo, saying: “Aleppo did not learn to weave; rather, it was born weaving. The history of Aleppo, the people of Aleppo, and Aleppo itself impose themselves on reality.” He pointed to the historical relationship of the loom with the city of Aleppo and its people: “In the story of the craftsman who stayed up late working on it, and in the name of the city that traveled with it from Khan Al-Harir to the ends of the earth, the sound of the loom was the first music the markets heard in the morning.”
Economic Dialogue Session at the NasTex 2026 Launch Conference in Aleppo
During the launch conference, an economic dialogue session was held, featuring Deputy Minister of Economy and Industry Eng. Basil Abdul Hanan, Head of the Chamber of Industry Imad Taha Al-Qasim, Head of the Syrian-Turkish Businessmen Council, Head of the Syrian-Chinese Businessmen Council, and NasTex Founder Mr. Fadi Al-Ahmad. The Deputy Minister of Economy and Industry praised the importance of the NasTex exhibition, considering it a national event and a fundamental step on the path to returning Syria to its global position in the textile industry. He emphasized the ministry’s efforts to overcome obstacles to the return of this vital national sector.
About NasTex
NasTex is the first integrated international textile exhibition in the region, bringing together major investors, industrialists, and entrepreneurs from over forty-five countries around the world, across various textile sectors. This ranges from fabrics, manufacturing machinery, and furniture to raw materials, technology, and digitalization, in addition to decoration and specialized fabrics. The exhibition allocates special spaces for entrepreneurs in the textile sector and is held at the Fairgrounds in Damascus under the direct sponsorship of the Presidency of the Syrian Arab Republic. The NasTex exhibition management had previously organized a launch conference in Damascus, attended by the Ministers of Economy, Industry, Culture, and Communications, along with a wide range of ambassadors, diplomats, investors, and industrialists.