China launches large industrial investment in Syria

By the Editorial Team · Friday, October 2, 2026

In 2026, China sharply increased its exports to Syria, with Syrian imports from China reaching $669.9 million in the first half of the year alone, alongside new industrial investments in Syria’s Hassia Industrial City valued at around $500 million. These developments highlight China’s growing role in Syria’s reconstruction efforts and signal potential for greater industrial cooperation and technology transfer amid a continuing trade imbalance.

China's economic engagement with Syria intensified considerably in 2026, marked by a substantial rise in Syrian imports from China and the initiation of new industrial investment projects within the country. Data from the first half of 2026 reveals that Syrian imports from China reached approximately $669.9 million, surpassing the total Chinese exports to Syria for the entire year of 2025, which stood at about $668 million.

The upward trend continues a sharp increase in trade over recent years. In 2024, total bilateral trade amounted to roughly $389 million, with Chinese exports accounting for nearly $386 million and Syrian exports to China limited to about $3 million. By 2025, Chinese exports to Syria had surged by approximately 73% to $668.1 million, while Syrian exports fell further to just $1.26 million, underscoring a significant trade imbalance favoring China.

The goods driving the increased Syrian demand include iron, machinery, equipment, vehicles, and materials essential for infrastructure and construction projects. These imports align with Syria’s ongoing efforts to rebuild and rehabilitate factories and public works in the aftermath of years of conflict.

Beyond trade in goods, cooperation between the two countries has expanded into industrial development. In Homs province’s Hassia Industrial City, preparations are underway for five major projects valued collectively at around $500 million. These initiatives involve White Room Holding, represented by Asas, the Chinese firm Zhong, and Hassia’s industrial city management. The planned developments will occupy approximately 500 dunams, featuring a steel rolling facility, a ceramics factory, a construction materials plant, an asphalt plant, and a stone quarry.

These projects, announced prominently during the 63rd Damascus International Fair held in September, are part of a broader push to address Syria’s reconstruction and infrastructure needs. In July, the Federation of Syrian Chambers of Commerce and the Syrian-Chinese Business Council formalized their cooperation through a memorandum of understanding aimed at enhancing trade and investment ties. This agreement focuses on promoting joint business forums, exchanging economic information, supporting partnerships, and facilitating technology transfer.

Additionally, in June, both countries launched the “Syrian International Smart Industrial Cities” platform, designed to link Syrian industrial cities with Chinese partners and draw upon China’s expertise in technology, manufacturing, and industrial training.

While China’s role as a dominant supplier of goods and equipment to Syria is becoming increasingly evident, the trade imbalance remains pronounced, with Syrian exports to China continuing at very low levels. The success of the investment projects in Hassia could signal a shift toward a more balanced relationship, featuring local manufacturing, technology transfer, and deeper Chinese industrial involvement in Syria’s economy.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.