Egypt Courts Chinese Investment To Boost Textile Sector Development
Egypt has invited representatives from 25 leading Chinese clothing companies to explore investment opportunities within the country’s rapidly evolving textile sector.
As a major global cotton producer, Egypt has embarked on an ambitious national development programme aimed at revitalizing its textile and garment industry—a crucial pillar of the national economy and a key contributor to foreign currency earnings.
A delegation of 37 Chinese business leaders and industrialists recently met with Egypt’s Minister of Public Enterprises Sector, Mohammed El-Shimy, to discuss potential partnerships and explore ongoing projects in the textile sector. During the meeting, the Minister outlined the scope of Egypt’s comprehensive restructuring and development programme for its textile industry. This initiative spans marketing, administrative, financial, and technical domains, and is designed to attract both local and international investment.
The development programme is intended to restore Egypt’s leadership in the textile industry, expand its global market presence, and improve profitability. With a focus on enhancing exports, the plan also aims to contribute to Egypt’s broader economic goals, including reducing the country’s trade deficit.
Textiles and ready-made garments represent a vital segment of Egypt’s export portfolio. In 2023, the country’s textile exports reached $1.2 billion, reflecting a five percent year-on-year growth. The Apparel Export Council of Egypt has set a target to increase exports by an additional 10 percent in 2024, reaching approximately $1.23 billion, and aims to push this figure to $1.4 billion by the end of 2025.
Egypt’s garment and textile sector is currently experiencing robust growth, driven by shifting global economic dynamics and rising foreign direct investment. The country’s investment climate—bolstered by strong economic fundamentals and competitive production costs—continues to attract the attention of international manufacturers seeking efficient and cost-effective operational environments.
With ongoing reforms and strategic outreach to global partners such as China, Egypt is positioning itself as a competitive and attractive hub for textile manufacturing and export.
