Egypt’s General Authority for Investment and Free Zones (Gafi) held a roundtable with the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (Hkt dc) to explore ways to strengthen investment ties in the textile and ready-made garments sector. The meeting was led by Mohamed El-Gousky, Gafi’s chief executive, and included Katherine Fang Suk Kwan, chairwoman of Hkt dc’s Garment Advisory Committee, along with representatives from Egypt’s Apparel Export Council, local firms, and manufacturers from both sides.
Mohamed El-Gousky emphasized that Egypt’s textile and garments sector stands out as one of the country’s most competitive industries, bolstered by a solid industrial foundation, deep expertise, a skilled workforce, readily available production inputs, and robust infrastructure. These assets, he said, make Egypt an optimal hub for industrial growth, localizing high-value supply chains, and integrating more deeply into regional and global markets. He described the Egypt-Hong Kong partnership as a vital force in reconfiguring worldwide textile value chains, noting Hong Kong’s role as a portal for Chinese and Asian firms eyeing overseas growth and as a premier financial hub that can rally investment capital.
Katherine Fang Suk Kwan stated that Hong Kong’s economic bodies regard Egypt not just as a manufacturing outpost or appealing investment spot, but as a crucial strategic ally for the future of China’s textile and garments industry. She praised Egypt’s advances in building production chains, bolstering trade links, and meeting sustainability standards, alongside its edges in geography, labor skills, and modern infrastructure.
Iris Wong, Hkt dc’s director of external relations, urged Egyptian firms to join the council’s exhibitions and trade events, which include about 40 specialized gatherings in the textile and garments field. These forums, she explained, provide key chances for sharing knowledge, forging alliances, and tapping new markets, especially given Egypt’s pivotal place in China’s Belt and Road Initiative.
Sherine Hosny, executive director of the Egyptian Export Council for Ready-Made Garments, affirmed that Egypt is a prime choice for Chinese companies’ expansion, thanks to its abundant labor, advanced utilities, efficient processes, and favorable trade pacts with major global markets. She disclosed that Egyptian garment exports to the European Union rose 97% and to the United States 46% over the last five years.
The session featured promotional talks on investment prospects in Egypt and available frameworks to suit investor requirements, followed by one-on-one meetings between interested companies from both nations.
