Aly Nagy, CEO of ATAG, says Syria’s textile industry has the foundations to recover as an important manufacturing and export sector—but rebuilding it successfully will require modern technology, vertical integration and dependable technical support.
As Syria enters a new phase of economic reconstruction, attention is returning to industries capable of generating employment, restoring domestic production and supporting exports. Textiles, historically one of the country’s most important manufacturing sectors, could play a central role in this process.
In an interview with Kohan Textile Journal, Mr. Aly Nagy, CEO of ATAG, discussed the opportunities emerging in the Syrian textile market and explained why investment decisions made during the reconstruction period will shape the industry’s competitiveness for decades.
According to Nagy, Syria should use this opportunity not merely to replace outdated machinery but to build a more efficient, integrated and export-oriented textile production base.
Syria’s Textile Industry Enters a New Reconstruction Phase
Q: Why is the Syrian textile market important, and what opportunities do you see in the country’s textile industry?
Aly Nagy: The Syrian textile market is important because textiles have historically been one of the country’s key manufacturing sectors. Syria already possesses an established industrial foundation, an experienced workforce and a strong textile culture.
As the country moves into a period of economic reconstruction, we believe the textile industry can play an important role in restoring manufacturing capacity, creating employment and generating export revenues.
Syrian textile investors are also widening the scope of their activities. Some are considering new production facilities, while others are moving towards fully vertically integrated operations covering several stages of production—from fibre or yarn to finished garments.
From ATAG’s perspective, the reconstruction of the industry represents an opportunity not simply to replace existing machinery, but to modernise the country’s entire textile production base.
Another important opportunity is Syria’s potential to serve both its domestic market and neighbouring regional markets. With the right investments, Syrian manufacturers can develop more competitive, efficient and export-oriented production facilities.
For ATAG, this creates an opportunity to support Syrian customers not only through machinery supply, but also with technical expertise, after-sales service, spare parts and long-term cooperation with international technology partners.
We therefore see Syria as a long-term industrial development opportunity, rather than simply a short-term machinery replacement market.
Technology Quality Could Shape Syria’s Long-Term Competitiveness
Q: As Syria rebuilds its textile industry, why should manufacturers invest in high-quality technologies such as Karl Mayer’s solutions instead of selecting low-cost machinery?
Aly Nagy: Decisions taken during the reconstruction period will have a long-term impact on the competitiveness of Syrian textile manufacturers. The initial purchase price of a machine is only one component of the overall investment.
Manufacturers must also consider productivity, energy consumption, product quality, operational reliability, maintenance requirements, spare-parts availability and the useful life of the equipment.
High-quality technologies can help producers achieve more consistent output, reduce production interruptions and minimise waste. They can also provide the flexibility required to manufacture higher-value textile products and respond more effectively to changing customer requirements.
Solutions from established international technology companies such as Karl Mayer can therefore provide advantages that extend well beyond the machinery itself. Access to technical expertise, training, service and reliable spare-parts support can help manufacturers protect their investment and maintain production performance over the long term.
Low-cost equipment may initially appear financially attractive, but frequent breakdowns, inconsistent quality, higher energy consumption or limited technical support can increase the total cost of ownership.
For Syrian companies seeking to compete in regional and international markets, investing in dependable technology will be essential. Modern equipment can support higher productivity, consistent quality and compliance with the standards expected by international buyers.
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From Machinery Replacement to Industrial Modernisation
Nagy’s comments highlight an important choice facing Syria’s textile industry. Reconstruction could focus narrowly on restarting inactive facilities, or it could become an opportunity to establish a more modern and competitive manufacturing ecosystem.
Investment in integrated production, efficient machinery and long-term technical partnerships could help Syrian manufacturers reduce their dependence on imported intermediate products while creating greater value domestically.
The availability of local service, spare parts and technical training will be equally important. For investors entering a recovering market, reliable after-sales support can determine whether new machinery delivers sustainable productivity or becomes another operational burden.
With its industrial heritage, skilled workforce and proximity to regional markets, Syria retains meaningful textile manufacturing potential. Converting that potential into sustainable growth, however, will depend on investment quality, technology selection and the development of internationally competitive production facilities.
