Food Expo 21 in Damascus: A Grand Launching Pad for Syrian Exports to Global Markets

With confident steps toward international markets and an unprecedented record area, Dr. Mohammad Nidal al-Shaar, Minister of Economy and Industry, inaugurated the largest edition of the "Food Expo". This major economic event was designed to shape the future of exports and open global horizons for local products, amidst a massive diplomatic and commercial attendance. Within this integrated economic scene, the active participation of the Damascus and Countryside Chamber of Industry emerged as a key partner in leading this transformation. The Chamber's delegation was headed by Eng. Mohammad Ayman al-Maulawi, Chairman of the Board of Directors, alongside board members: Mr. Adham al-Tabbaa (Treasurer), Mr. Raeif al-Sbaie (Bureau Member), Eng. Wafaa Abu Labdeh, Mr. Osama al-Nann, Dr. Radwan Abdeen, and Mr. Iyad Beitinjaneh.

 

On the sidelines of the opening, Mr. Mohammad Yassin Houria, Deputy Minister of Economy and Industry for Industrial Affairs, stressed that the Syrian industrial sector is moving at a steady pace toward full recovery and reclaiming its position on the international economic map. He explained that since the beginning of the liberation phase, the government has placed the support and organization of specialized domestic and international exhibitions at the forefront of its priorities, considering them the primary pillar and launching pad for stimulating export activity.

 

Houria pointed out the close correlation between production and export, noting that the national industry cannot achieve its true value without the export gateway. From this standpoint, exceptional importance has been given to specialized exhibitions—ranging from the Damascus International Fair to the "Buildex" and "Food Expo" exhibitions—due to their pivotal role in opening new markets for Syrian products.

 

The Deputy Minister highlighted the qualitative leap achieved by Syrian food industries, confirming that they now enjoy a prestigious reputation and wide distribution, allowing them to export to more than 70 countries around the world. He added that the broad Arab and regional participation in the current exhibitions clearly reflects the renewed confidence in the Syrian economy, coinciding with the country's return to its strategic position on the economic arena. Houria concluded his statement by paying tribute to the industrialists and participating companies that contributed to the resilience of this sector, stressing that the journey of supporting the local product is continuous and will not stop.

 

Eng. Mohammad Ayman al-Maulawi confirmed that the exhibition in its current session consolidates its growing position as one of the most prominent economic forums in the region. He noted that the total area of the exhibition jumped this year to reach about 40,000 square meters, with a wide participation that exceeded previous years in terms of excellence and numbers.

 

Al-Maulawi explained that the food industries sector holds high strategic importance for the Syrian state, given the real value added it achieves for the national economy, in addition to the growing global demand for Syrian products in various international markets.

 

The Chairman of the Chamber expressed his pride in the great momentum witnessed by the current session, expressing his happiness to see this strong presence of Syrian companies that prove their development year after year. He also praised the distinguished international participation from Jordanian, Saudi, and Turkish companies, among others. This diversity proves that the exhibition is moving confidently toward globalization and has become an important name and forum at the regional level.

 

Concluding his statement, al-Maulawi stressed that Syrian excellence is not limited to the food sector alone, but extends to include many national sectors that possess high competitive capabilities in foreign markets, foremost of which is the clothing and textile industry, which has a long history and prominent presence, as well as promising engineering industries in several fields.

 

For his part, Mr. Osama al-Nann, Board Member and Head of the Food Sector at the Chamber, confirmed that the current session of the exhibition is witnessing great success and a distinguished record participation exceeding 300 specialized companies. Al-Nann explained that the Chamber, through the head of the food sector and the heads of food committees, closely monitors this massive event to support the continuous development of the sector and elevate the name of the Syrian industrial identity "Made in Syria" from the heart of Damascus International Fairgrounds. He added that participating in these specialized events is a strategic step and a fundamental base that allows industrialists to communicate directly with companies, clients, and investors coming from inside and outside the country, opening horizons for them to market their products optimally. He indicated at the conclusion of his statement that the exhibition represents a golden opportunity and a fast launching pad for every industrialist seeking development and reaching international markets with their products, wishing success and prosperity to all participants and exhibitors.

 

The current edition of the exhibition is characterized by a rich and dense presence of many Syrian companies specialized in the food industries sector, which are recording noticeable and growing growth year after year. The exhibition also enjoys a prominent regional and international dimension through the participation of Arab and foreign companies from several countries, including Jordan, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and Turkey, which enhances the exhibition's position as a platform towards

 

22/6/2026