The Emir Opens the International Textile Exhibition: Weaving Our Story with National Unity, Security Stability, and Economic Growth

President Ahmad al-Sharaa opened the Syria International Textile Exhibition “Nas Tekst 2026” yesterday. In his opening address, he stated that the textile industry tells part of our historical narrative, serving as a mirror of the taste of the people of the Levant, who learned from it precision in work, patience, and generosity. He added that clothmaking in the Levant was a living ambassador to all corners of the earth; upon it, the economy was built, trade flourished, roads were constructed and named after it, and caravans sought it out. Perhaps today, on this occasion, we can revive what tyrants tried to bury and rebuild our present based on our past.

He considered the Syria International Textile Exhibition a station of goodness and blessing for the Syrian people, and a creative starting point in our struggle against poverty and deprivation, in reconstruction efforts, and in securing thousands of job opportunities for our people. He said, “We weave our story with national peace, national unity, balanced diplomacy, security stability, and economic growth, so that Syria may return to being what it once was: a source of creativity, an exporter of expertise, and a haven for those with knowledge and skilled hands.”

He pointed out that Syria, in addition to producing soft fabrics of silk and textiles, is also known for crafting sharp Damascus swords. Between sharpness and softness lies the Syrian political approach, which is characterized by the principle of giving every entitled person their due. He concluded, “From here, from Syria, we pledge to our people and the world that we will embroider the tapestries of peace, weave the carpet of generosity, and compose poems for those who reciprocate our sincerity of feelings and intentions.”

The opening ceremony of the “Nas Tekst 2026” exhibition was held at the Damascus Conference Palace. In a statement to the Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA), Mohammad Hamza, Director General of the General Establishment for International Exhibitions and Markets, confirmed that the exhibition features participation by more than 300 companies representing over 20 countries. It includes the latest production lines and technologies across various fields of the textile industry, reflecting growing interest in the sector and opportunities for its development.

He noted that the exhibition city has completed preparations for an area exceeding 100,000 square meters of halls and outdoor spaces to host exhibiting companies and visitors, ensuring the event is organized according to the highest standards. Hamza explained that the exhibition serves as an important platform for signing memoranda of understanding and attracting new investments, thereby supporting and revitalizing the Syrian textile sector. He emphasized that it represents a significant step toward repositioning Syria on the regional and international textile manufacturing map and enhancing opportunities for exporting Syrian products.

The exhibition will present the latest products and innovations in the textile sector, ranging from fabrics, furnishings, curtains, and furniture, to textile manufacturing machinery, equipment, threads, and raw materials, extending to digital transformation solutions and advanced industrial technologies. It will also include a dedicated entrepreneurship section, allowing young people to showcase their innovations and small projects, as well as a presentation of a fully equipped integrated laboratory, enabling visitors to practically learn about production stages and modern operational techniques within a realistic environment.