Syrian Arab News Agency | 2026/06/24

UAE's Silal signs agreements with Syria to expand agricultural investment and exports

Damascus, June 24 (SANA) UAE-based Silal Group signed two agreements with Syria’s Ministry of Agriculture on the sidelines of Damascus Food Expo 2026, a move aimed at boosting agricultural investment and expanding export opportunities for Syrian produce.

Agriculture Minister Basel al-Suwaidan said the agreements would help open new markets for Syrian products and strengthen cooperation with regional partners in the agricultural sector.

Under the first agreement, Silal will conduct studies at several locations across Syria as part of plans to develop agricultural investment projects. The deal also includes contract farming programs and the establishment of sorting, grading and packaging centers to support the marketing and export of agricultural products.

A second agreement focuses on direct procurement from farmers. Al-Suwaidan said the initial phase will involve the purchase of at least 16,000 tons of potatoes for export to the United Arab Emirates.

The cooperation is expected to expand to include other crops, including tomatoes, watermelons, melons, cucumbers, eggplants and zucchini, through direct supply agreements between farmers and participating companies.

Hamid Ahmed Al Rumaithi, Chief Executive Officer for Food Security at Silal Group, said Syria represents a promising destination within the company’s investment strategy, citing opportunities in agricultural production, crop procurement and exports.

He said the current memorandum of understanding marks the beginning of broader cooperation and could be followed by additional agreements in the future.

Food Expo 2026 opened on Sunday at the Damascus Fairgrounds with more than 300 local, Arab and international companies participating. The event runs through June 25 and focuses on promoting Syrian food products, investment opportunities and business partnerships.

N.J/ABD