Key Takeaways
- UAE-based Silal Group signed two agricultural agreements with Syria's Ministry of Agriculture on the sidelines of Damascus Food Expo 2026, targeting investment development and expanded export markets.
- The first agreement covers feasibility studies at multiple Syrian sites, contract farming programs, and the establishment of sorting, grading, and packaging centers to support agricultural exports.
- The second agreement covers direct procurement from Syrian farmers, beginning with at least 16,000 tonnes of potatoes for export to the UAE.
- Future cooperation is expected to extend to tomatoes, watermelons, melons, cucumbers, eggplants, and zucchini through direct supply deals between farmers and participating companies.
- Silal Group's CEO for Food Security described Syria as a promising destination within the company's broader investment strategy, signaling potential for additional agreements down the line.
Silal Group and Syria's Ministry of Agriculture Sign Agreements at Damascus Food Expo 2026
UAE-based agricultural company Silal Group has signed two agreements with Syria's Ministry of Agriculture on the sidelines of the Damascus Food Expo 2026, held at the Damascus Fairgrounds. The deals are aimed at developing agricultural investment projects in Syria and creating direct export pathways for Syrian produce to the United Arab Emirates.
Syria's Agriculture Minister, Basel al-Suwaidan, said the agreements would help Syrian agricultural products reach new markets while strengthening regional cooperation in the sector.
What the Two Silal Group Agreements Cover
The first agreement tasks Silal Group with conducting site assessments at multiple locations across Syria as part of plans to develop agricultural investment projects. It also includes contract farming arrangements and the creation of sorting, grading, and packaging infrastructure to improve the quality and marketability of Syrian exports.
The second agreement is focused on direct procurement from Syrian farmers. As a starting point, Silal will purchase a minimum of 16,000 tonnes of Syrian potatoes for export to the UAE. Al-Suwaidan indicated the scope of this arrangement is expected to grow over time, with additional crops — including tomatoes, watermelons, melons, cucumbers, eggplants, and zucchini — to be added through direct supply agreements between farmers and participating companies.
Silal Group on Syria's Investment Potential
Hamid Ahmed Al Rumaithi, Chief Executive Officer for Food Security at Silal Group, described Syria as a promising destination within the company's investment strategy, pointing to opportunities across agricultural production, crop procurement, and export operations.
Al Rumaithi said the current memorandum of understanding marks the beginning of a broader cooperation framework and that additional agreements could follow in the future.
Damascus Food Expo 2026 as a Platform for Agricultural Partnerships
The agreements were concluded at Damascus Food Expo 2026, which opened at the Damascus Fairgrounds with more than 300 local, Arab, and international companies taking part. The event, running through June 25, is focused on promoting Syrian food products, attracting investment, and facilitating business partnerships across the agricultural and food sectors.
The Silal Group deals reflect a broader effort by Syrian authorities to attract regional agricultural investment and rebuild export infrastructure following years of economic disruption.
3 Comments