Al-Sharq: Syria Rises Again

Damascus – Agencies: Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa opened the 63rd edition of the Damascus International Fair on Wednesday, under the slogan “Syria Shines Again,” with broad Arab and international participation. The fair’s activities will continue at the Damascus Exhibition City until September 4, with the first days featuring dedicated meetings for business, investment, and economic partnerships. According to organizers, the current edition involves around 60 countries and approximately 1,000 entities, marking one of the largest international participations in the fair’s history.

In a speech during the opening, al-Sharaa said that Syria “shines again” to become “a beacon in its economy, a bridge between markets, a corridor for trade, a meeting point for civilizations, and a center where the interests of the East and West intersect.” He added that the 63rd Damascus International Fair represents “Syria’s economic memory and its window to the world,” noting that the fair serves as a venue where countries, markets, companies, and investors meet.

Al-Sharaa stated that the wide international participation in the current edition confirms, in his words, “the people’s confidence in themselves and the world’s confidence in Syria and its people,” viewing it as an opportunity for Syria to reclaim its regional and international role. He linked the fair’s return to recent political and economic developments, saying that removing obstacles and lifting sanctions does not mean reaching the end, but rather marks the beginning of a long and sustainable path based on construction, reconstruction, and development.

Al-Sharaa further noted that Damascus has historically been a place where “great stories” began, considering the fair today as the start of a “new story” for Syria after years of war and division.