Syrian products showcased at Basra festival as 52 companies aim to strengthen trade ties

BASRA — A shopping festival highlighting Syrian products opened Wednesday at the Basra International Fair in the Al-Maqal area, featuring 52 Syrian companies and offering a variety of goods, including food items, chemicals, and textiles. The 10-day event aims to strengthen trade ties between Iraq and Syria and has already attracted significant interest from local visitors.

Raneem Sekhal, participating in the festival for the first time, expressed satisfaction with the warm reception. “We are thrilled with the warm reception from the locals, who have tried many products made in Syria,” Sekhal told 964media. She noted that while visitor numbers are lower during the day, evening attendance rises significantly.

Ahmad Hamra, another exhibitor, highlighted the pride in Syrian-made herbal and natural oil products. “We offer a range of items, including shampoos and soaps that Aleppo is famous for,” he said.

Aleppo is renowned for its traditional handmade soap, also known as Ghar soap, crafted using natural ingredients like olive oil and laurel oil. The soap undergoes a meticulous process, from cooking and molding to curing for several months, enhancing its quality and durability.

Hamra, who has participated in similar exhibitions in Baghdad and Basra, emphasized the importance of these events in fostering appreciation for Syrian and Iraqi products. “This is my fourth time attending exhibitions in Iraq,” he added.

Hassan Al-Abd, another participant, showcased traditional Arab tent materials and expressed optimism about the event. “Gratefully, the turnout has been good,” said Al-Abd, who has participated in five previous exhibitions in Basra.