Istanbul / Anadolu

Syrian President Ahmad al-Shara on Saturday opened the first edition of the Syria International Textile Exhibition "Nas Tex 2026", considering it a launching point for reconstruction efforts, combating poverty, and providing job opportunities.

The opening ceremony was held at the Damascus Conference Palace, with official presence, international delegations, businessmen, and economic figures, according to the Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA).

In a speech during the opening, al-Shara said that the textile industry represents a part of Syria's history and its economic and cultural identity, and was one of the pillars of the prosperity of trade and industry in the country.

He added that reviving the textile industry contributes to rebuilding the Syrian present based on the industrial and craft heritage for which the country was known.

Al-Shara described the exhibition as a "creative launching point" in combating poverty and need, supporting reconstruction, and providing thousands of jobs and employment opportunities for Syrians.

He pointed out that the path to rebuilding Syria is based on civil peace, national unity, security stability, and economic growth, restoring its position as a source of creativity, competencies, and skilled labor.

Al-Shara touched on Syria's historical association with the manufacture of fabrics, silk, and Damascene swords, considering that the combination of strength and flexibility reflects the nature of Syrian politics.

He affirmed that his country seeks to consolidate peace and build balanced relations with countries that deal with it sincerely and in good faith.

The "Nas Tex 2026" exhibition is being held from July 18 to 21 of this month, aiming to revitalize the Syrian textile sector and link it with technology, financing, and export.

It also aims to develop local supply chains and enhance trade and cooperation among manufacturers, suppliers, and industry experts.

The exhibition extends over an area of 150,000 square meters and brings together more than 300 exhibitors from more than 25 Arab and foreign countries, according to SANA.

Participants are showcasing products and technologies in the fields of fabrics, clothing, furnishings, machinery, threads, and raw materials, alongside digital transformation solutions and modern industrial technologies.

On December 8, 2024, Syrian factions took control of the country, ending 61 years of Baath Party rule, including 53 years of the Assad family's rule.

On January 29, 2025, Ahmad al-Shara was announced as President of Syria during the transitional period.

On March 13 of the same year, al-Shara signed a constitutional declaration that set the transitional period at five years.