The activities of the 21st edition of the Arab International Exhibition for Food Industries and Packaging "Food Expo 2026" continue for the second day in Damascus Exhibition City.

This course, which started last Sunday and will continue until June 25, is under the direct sponsorship of the Syrian Ministry of Economy and Industry, with the wide participation of more than 300 local, Arab and international companies.

The exhibition is classified as one of the most prominent dates and economic events specialized in the production and food industries sector in the region, as it provides an interactive platform that brings together producers, investors, and importers from various countries, providing real opportunities to market and promote national products and enhance their strategic presence in foreign markets.

Export Ambitions and Support for Small and Medium Enterprises

The Director of the Directorate of Exhibitions, Sobhi Al-Dali, confirmed that the Ministry expects the exhibition to reflect positively and tangibly on the local food industry sector.

He explained that this reflection is going through the enhancement of marketing opportunities for Syrian products and the opening of new export channels, taking advantage of the high quality and competitiveness of the national food industries, in addition to the business meetings and investment partnerships that the exhibition provides that contribute to attracting new capital and expanding the production capacity of local enterprises.

Al-Dali pointed out that the event carries with it an important economic message that confirms the return of economic and industrial activity in Syria, and the ability of national companies to compete and be present in regional and international markets.

Regarding the mechanisms for SMEs to benefit from this momentum, Al-Daly explained that the Ministry of Economy and Industry, in cooperation with the General Organization for International Exhibitions and Markets, is working to transform these specialized exhibitions into actual platforms for exchanging experiences and building partnerships, encouraging bilateral meetings and concluding cooperation agreements, and learning about the latest technologies of innovation, packaging and supply chains to develop their competitive quality.

A Lab for Competitiveness and Global Supply Chains

For his part, Business Development Consultant, Ahmed Ankier, described the launch of Food Expo 2026 as a milestone that reflects the commitment of the concerned authorities to support growth in one of the most prominent productive sectors in the country.

Ankir added that the importance of the exhibition goes beyond being an annual trade forum, but rather represents a "real laboratory of competitiveness" and a key catalyst for concluding trade and investment deals that support the structure of the national economy.

Ankir explained that the exhibition opens wide horizons for Syrian producers to become more involved in regional and global food supply chains, taking advantage of modern standards in the fields of packaging that ensure the quality and safety of products in accordance with international requirements. He concluded by noting that this event ultimately serves clear strategic goals, including increasing export rates, localizing vital industries, and expanding Damascus's network of external economic relations.

Dimensions of Economic Mobility at Food Expo 2026

The ongoing trade movement in the exhibition city in Damascus involves four main dimensions that support the path of local growth, the first of which is the promotion and export by exploiting the quality of Syrian food commodities to open new sales channels in neighboring Arab and international markets.

The second dimension is to attract investment through bilateral partnerships between foreign investors and local facility owners to expand production lines and transfer technology.

The third dimension focuses on integrating SMEs and providing them with the opportunity to interact with large companies and learn about the latest innovations in packaging and food preservation. Finally, the fourth dimension is embodied in securing and developing supply chains by facilitating meetings between raw material producers, machine makers, and exporters, in order to ensure the flow of national goods and the stability of their competitive quality locally and internationally.