The Madina Food City raw sugar refinery officially entered operation in Hassia Industrial City, Homs, marking the launch of the largest facility of its kind in Syria. With a production capacity of 3,000 tons per day, equivalent to nearly one million tons annually, the refinery represents a major addition to the country’s food and industrial sectors. The project was implemented by the Tunisian company BIA using advanced technology supplied by the German firm BMA.
Strategic Importance of a Revived Industrial Facility
Talal Zaib, Director of Hassia Industrial City, explained the refinery’s launch aligns with the Ministry of Economy and Industry’s strategy to revitalize industrial production, support investors, and reactivate stalled factories. He noted that restoring large-scale industrial facilities is essential to strengthening national production capacity and reinforcing economic recovery.
Osama al-Darawsheh, Director of the refinery, described the facility as strategically vital, particularly given sugar’s role in national food security. He added that the refinery provides around 250 direct job opportunities and reflects a broader shift toward reinforcing heavy industries as a foundation for sustainable economic growth.
Rehabilitation and Capacity Expansion
Following liberation, the facility underwent a comprehensive rehabilitation process including equipment upgrades, extensive maintenance, and workforce skill development. According to Darawsheh, these improvements raised the plant’s processing capacity to 5,000 tons per day and ensured that final products meet European quality specifications.
He noted that workers received specialized technical and occupational safety training prior to operations. Actual production began on October 28 last year, with the complete refining cycle finalized within 13 days, signaling the facility’s readiness for sustained operation.
European-Standard Production and Export Potential
Raw sugar is imported from several countries, including Brazil, India, and Ukraine, under strict technical specifications to guarantee quality. This enables the refinery to produce sugar which meets EU standards, with output primarily directed toward meeting domestic demand while laying the groundwork for future exports.
The launch of the Hassia refinery highlights government efforts to rebuild the production sector as a cornerstone of economic resilience. By strengthening food security, generating employment, and supporting industrial self-sufficiency, the project represents a tangible step toward a more stable and sustainable Syrian economy.
