Under the gracious patronage of the President of the Syrian Arab Republic, Ahmad Al-Sharaa, the NASTEX 2026 Launch Conference commenced in Damascus, with the participation of ministers, ambassadors, diplomatic representatives, and an elite group of top industrialists, businessmen, and textile-sector traders from Syria and abroad.
The conference served as a pivotal platform that brought together the government’s new economic vision—represented by the Ministers of Economy, Industry, and Culture, along with officials from various governmental bodies—and leading merchants, industrialists, and business leaders. The goal: reviving one of Syria’s oldest and most deeply rooted sectors— the textile industry.
Fadi AlAhmad (Almheimed): A Modern Vision for Syria’s Textile Sector
Businessman and NASTEX founder Fadi AlAhmad opened the conference by welcoming attendees to Damascus, “the city that introduces itself with thread before geography.”
He presented striking global statistics, noting that the world textile market exceeds $2 trillion, expressing optimism that the sector could contribute $28 billion to Syria’s GDP while generating more than 800,000 direct and indirect jobs.
Al-Ahmad described the textile sector as “white gold that should not remain buried,” drawing parallels with the successful experiences of Turkey, China, and Bangladesh.
He also unveiled an unprecedented visitor and investor experience and announced a national competition for youth and entrepreneurs under the name “Future Weaver.”
He concluded by calling on merchants and industrialists to take part in restoring the glory of this essential sector.
Minister of Economy & Industry: A Renewed Investment Environment
The Minister of Economy and Industry, Dr. Mohammad Nidal Al-Shaar, affirmed that the Syrian government is re-shaping its economic policies based on openness, investment incentives, and international partnerships. He revealed plans to establish new industrial zones and logistics ports and promised to revive cotton fields and boost their productivity.
He also called on Syrian industrialists abroad to return, transfer their expertise, and participate actively in rebuilding the legacy of the textile sector.
Minister of Culture: The Textile Sector as Part of National Identity
Minister of Culture Mohammad Yassin Saleh emphasized the cultural and identity-based importance of the textile sector, stressing that it represents a key part of Syria’s national heritage.
He expressed optimism in Syrians’ ability to overcome challenges and presented initiatives already underway within the ministry— including:
- launching Craft Houses to train artisans and fashion-makers.
- forming partnerships with the private sector to support SMEs.
- cooperating with universities and institutes.
- preparing to launch international exhibitions for youth.
He concluded by announcing the Damascus International Book Fair (February 5, 2026) and invited NASTEX to participate with a dedicated booth, highlighting that textile is integral to Syria’s cultural identity.
Economic Panel: Requirements for Reviving the Textile Industry
A major economic session was held on the sidelines of the conference, gathering Minister Al-Shaar with Hussam Al-Tattari, Chairman of the Syrian-Turkish Economic Council.
Al-Tattari highlighted the sector’s transformative potential, noting that textiles could employ one-third of Syria’s workforce and contribute up to one-third of the national economy, if organized effectively.
He stressed the need to overcome outdated machinery, limited technology, and disrupted global trade connections, while prioritizing training, qualification, and access to export markets.
The Minister underscored the textile sector’s critical role in women’s employment and economic empowerment.
He announced the launch of a new Digital Economy Department focusing on industrial digitization and encouraged updating industrial machinery after removing old regulatory restrictions.
Cultural Panel: Textile as Heritage and Identity
The cultural session gathered Minister of Culture Mohammad Yassin Saleh and entrepreneur Adham Al-Tabbah, who discussed the heritage value of Syria’s textile industry.
Al-Tabbah explained how the industry evolved from simple clothing production to advanced applications including:
- Technical Textiles.
- Composites.
- Fiber Materials.
Minister Saleh underscored the cultural dimension that distinguishes Syrian products—such as brocade and aghabani—emphasizing the importance of storytelling behind each handmade piece.
During the session, Ali Al-Rifai, PR Director at the Ministry of Information, highlighted the ministry’s vision: that media is not just a conveyor of news but a partner in development and economic progress.
The session concluded with an inspiring message from the Minister of Culture to Syrian youth, encouraging them to believe in themselves, start their own projects, and trust their capabilities.
About NASTEX 2026
NASTEX is the largest textile, furnishing, and manufacturing technologies exhibition in the Middle East, held at the Damascus Fairgrounds from April 1st for four days.
It brings together the latest products and innovations across the textile ecosystem—from fabrics, upholstery, curtains, and furniture to advanced textile machinery, raw materials, digital transformation solutions, and industrial technologies (ERP + AI).
Register now as a visitor or exhibitor and explore investment and partnership opportunities across 11 key sectors.