Syria is looking to build on its already extensive textile sector in an effort to become an increasingly global player in raw materials and processed products. However, Syria faces numerous difficulties both at home and abroad to lift its cotton production and processed materials output and quality, with massive investments needed to bring them up to international standards and make them competitive in the cut-throat world market. Syria’s textile and apparel sector accounts for 30% of the country’s industrial employment. While figures for employment levels in the primary production of the main raw material, cotton, are seasonal, they do represent a sizeable proportion of the 25% of those engaged in agriculture. The government has been pouring money into the cotton and processed materials sectors, improving irrigation for primary producers and spending on new plants to enhance milling, weaving and apparel production. These efforts have met with some success, with the
