The 78th edition of the Cairo Fashion & Tex exhibition concluded this week, solidifying Egypt’s position as a pivotal center for the textile and garment industry in Africa and the Middle East. The event, which ran from October 2-4, attracted 650 companies from more than 20 countries, marking a significant display of international confidence in the Egyptian market.
A Gathering of Industry Leaders
The opening ceremony set a diplomatic and professional tone, inaugurated by Turkish Ambassador to Egypt Salih Mutlu Şen. His presence underscored the strong economic ties between the two nations, particularly in textiles. He was joined by a host of Egyptian industry leaders from key business federations, as well as international delegates from Morocco, Saudi Arabia, and the Turkish-Egyptian business community.
Their collective presence highlighted the event’s growing stature as an essential platform for networking and deal-making across the region. “Our goal is to strengthen exports. The exhibition provides a vital platform for major export agreements and networking opportunities,” said Dr. Mohamed El-Sherif, Chairperson of Pyramids Group, the event’s organizer.
Showcasing Egypt’s Manufacturing Muscle
This year’s record participation, featuring 400 Egyptian firms alongside 150 Chinese and 25 Turkish companies, served as a powerful testament to the sector’s development. Egyptian officials were quick to frame the event as evidence of the country’s industrial leap.
Mohamed Abdel Salam, Chairperson of the Ready-Made Garments and Textiles Chamber, highlighted the sector’s remarkable progress, noting that such exhibitions are crucial gateways for Egyptian products to reach global markets. Dr. Mohamed Fathi of the Egyptian Textile Industries Chamber added that several local brands are now successfully competing internationally, asserting, “We are capable of achieving even more.”
A Strategic Gateway to African Markets
A recurring theme at the expo was Egypt’s strategic potential as a conduit to vast African markets. Alaa Ezz, Secretary General of the Confederation of Egyptian European Business Associations, pointed to trade agreements that grant Egyptian products access to over 3 billion consumers across the continent without customs duties.
“This represents a tremendous opportunity for investment, industrial growth, and job creation,” Ezz stated, framing the exhibition as a catalyst for tapping into this potential. The event’s goal to attract 500 international buyers underscored this export-driven strategy.
The international attendees affirmed this vision. Hassan Berkani from Morocco’s Casablanca-Settat Chamber called the exhibition “a model of Arab cooperation,” while Saudi representative Mohammad Al Safh commended Egypt’s organizational success and reaffirmed strong commercial ties within the region. For the Turkish and Egyptian business community, the event was a distinguished platform to further enhance bilateral economic relations, building on a partnership over two decades strong.
