Damascus, Sept. 5 (SANA) The 63rd Damascus International Fair concluded on Friday with preliminary economic output exceeding 150 billion Syrian pounds ($1 billion) and approximately 1.4 million visitors, signaling a significant recovery for Syria’s flagship trade event.
The fair, held under the slogan “Syria Shines Again,” featured nearly 1,000 local, Arab and international entities representing some 60 countries.
A shift from showcase to business platform
Mohammad Hamza, Director General of the Syrian Corporation for Fairs and International Markets, said this edition marked a turning point in the fair’s history, transforming it from a traditional product showcase into an integrated platform for business, investment and partnership-building.
The total value of contracts, memoranda of understanding and production and supply agreements exceeded 150 billion Syrian pounds, a more than tenfold increase compared to the 62nd edition’s output of approximately $100 million.
First three days dedicated to business leaders
Hamza noted that the first three days were dedicated to businessmen, investors and official delegations, featuring B2B and B2G meetings between companies, investors and government bodies.
The experience proved highly successful and was among the most significant shifts in the fair’s economic function, moving from networking and product display to discussing investment projects and signing implementable agreements.
Sectoral agreements, international participation
The declared output included projects, agreements and memoranda in industry, agriculture, transport, water, energy, infrastructure, tourism and logistics — including an industrial project package in Hasiya city valued at an estimated $500 million, along with projects in Bab al-Hawa, Sheikh Najjar, Hama and Raqqa, as well as economic and trade agreements with a number of Arab and international countries and companies.
Launch of Damascus Economic Forum
The 63rd edition also saw the launch of the Damascus World Economic Forum, establishing a year-round sustainable economic platform bringing together government, the private sector, investors, economic and development institutions, and specialized expertise to turn opportunities and understandings initiated at the fair into productive projects, jobs, exports and long-term partnerships.
International participation signals renewed confidence
Hamza noted that the return of the official German pavilion after more than four decades, along with strong Saudi, Turkish, Arab and international participation, carried both economic and political significance — a renewed vote of confidence in Syria’s future and its economy’s ability to return to regional and international markets.
The Damascus International Fair, first officially held in 1954, is one of the oldest and most established international fairs in the Middle East. Its 63rd edition concluded with no security incidents recorded despite the large crowds, reflecting the professionalism and coordination of the organizing bodies.
The event also served as the launchpad for the inaugural Damascus World Economic Forum, a parallel platform for investment dialogue and partnership-building.
Kh.A / H.H
