Damascus International Fair (63rd Edition) Set to Connect Investors with Actionable Projects

A Fair Repositioned as an Economic Platform

The 63rd Damascus International Fair is scheduled to run from 26 August to 4 September 2026, bringing together approximately 1,000 participating entities representing around 60 countries, alongside more than 40 Syrian ministries, bodies, institutions, and official authorities. In its current edition, the fair moves beyond a product showcase to function as an economic platform connecting government, business, and investors with partners from external markets.

The days from 26 to 28 August are reserved for official delegations, business representatives, and accredited investors, with the fair opening to the general public on 29 August. The opening day features a high-level ministerial economic session and the "Road to the Damascus Global Economic Forum" event, while a daily B2B and B2G business-matching centre links companies and investors with the relevant ministries and economic bodies.

Agreements in Ports and Energy

The fair takes place against a backdrop of expanding investment partnerships. In the ports sector, an agreement was signed with French company CMA CGM for the management and operation of the container terminal at Latakia Port for a period of 30 years, with dedicated investment in infrastructure development, equipment, berths, and operating systems.

In the energy sector, the Syrian Petroleum Company signed a memorandum of understanding in May with ConocoPhillips (United States), TotalEnergies (France), and QatarEnergy, covering oil and gas exploration in Syrian territorial waters, including technical studies, work programme preparation, and the drafting of an exploration contract.

Legislative Reforms to Attract Capital

Decree No. 114 of 2025 allows foreign investors to hold up to 100 percent ownership of projects in Syria. The executive instructions for the investment law define incentives, investment licence procedures, investor rights and obligations, and dispute-resolution mechanisms, alongside the activation of a one-stop-shop system and simplified company-registration procedures.

On the domestic activity front, Syria recorded more than 10,500 new companies and commercial registrations in the first half of 2026, according to the Ministry of Economy and Industry. On 4 August, the International Monetary Fund stated that the Syrian economy is experiencing increasing recovery, projecting growth to exceed 10 percent in 2026, driven by improvements in agriculture, oil and gas production, electricity supply, and growth in trade and services.

US Business Forum and Financial Integration

On 13 July 2026, Damascus hosted the first Syrian-American Business Forum, which addressed the economic reform agenda, investment opportunities, and pathways to financing. US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Jacob McGee said at the forum that American companies are exploring investment opportunities in Syria, and noted efforts to work with the Syrian government to facilitate Syria's integration into the global financial system, provide banking solutions, and establish a clear regulatory environment supporting investment and trade.

Gulf Partnerships Across Multiple Sectors

Investment interest extends to Saudi, Emirati, and Qatari partnerships across diverse sectors. On the Saudi side, cooperation opportunities have covered agriculture, irrigation systems, and industries linked to oil shale, fertilisers, and cotton. The General Establishment for Geology and Mineral Resources signed a memorandum of understanding with Saudi company Sami Rock to launch a project using oil shale in fertiliser production.