The prime minister will hold a meeting on Tuesday to look into a plan to revive the textile industry, in the presence of the ministers of commerce, industry, finance, and the public business sector, in addition to the head of the Federation of Egyptian Industries (FEI) and the governor of the Central Bank of Egypt (CBE), as well as representatives of a number of companies, according to a source in the cabinet.
Prime Minister Sherif Ismail said during a meeting on Tuesday that the plan should include mechanisms to implement the development process of the industry in a way that reduces Egypt’s imports of clothes and textiles. Cotton should be provided sufficiently to the local market, especially the types appropriate for the industry.
“The government is working to increase the production capacity of the textile and clothes sector in order to limit their importing and increase the sector’s exporting abilities,” said government spokesperson Hossam El-Kawish.
According to El-Kawish, Ismail informed all concerned authorities that it is important to quickly complete the studies of the establishment of the textile city in Minya. The city is expected to include the latest instruments and technological equipments used in the textile industry, in addition to machines for reaping cotton crops.
El-Kawish revealed that studies are ongoing for the establishment of textile zones close to agricultural and rural areas. The aim is to reduce costs and create new job opportunities in the region.
The government is working on tightening control over all border openings in order to prevent the smuggling of clothes imported from outside, whether new or used. This will help maintain and support markets as well as the local industry.
According to El-Kawish, textile industries accommodate many jobs, especially jobs for women. They are also connected to various activities and small- and micro-supplementary businesses.
