On Thursday, May 22, the Syrian Ministry of Economy and Industry issued an official decree permitting the establishment of bottling plants for filtered water throughout Syria, regardless of whether the water source is groundwater, river water, or surface water.
The decree is based on the outcomes of a joint meeting held on May 13, 2025, between the Ministry of Economy and Industry, the General Authority for Water Resources, and the Ministry of Energy, aimed at establishing the necessary regulations for bottling filtered and mineral water facilities.
The decree aims to open investment opportunities to the private sector, within the framework of a free market economy and to prevent monopolies, while adhering to technical standards and regulations that ensure quality and prevent harm to water resources.
The decree stipulates that licenses will be granted after technical approval from the Ministry of Energy and the Ministry of Economy, in addition to testing of the water source. Compliance with the specified technical specifications, regarding water quality and manufacturing requirements, is mandatory before the final license is issued.
Amid a severe drought and crumbling infrastructure, residents of rural Damascus are experiencing one of their worst service crises, facing a critical shortage of drinking water and water for daily use, with no effective or lasting solutions from the relevant authorities.
The recent decision by the Ministry of Economy and Industry to permit the establishment of bottling plants for filtered water marks a significant turning point in the Syrian government's policy toward a sector that has long been subject to strict restrictions.
Opening the door to investment in this field comes within a broader context of efforts to liberalize the economy and create an attractive environment for local and foreign capital.
It is worth noting that for years, specific companies have dominated the bottled water sector, with no real opportunities for new players to enter. The new decision breaks this stagnation, but it sets clear conditions regarding water sources, technical standards, and manufacturing requirements, which may reduce chaos without preventing competition.
