Egypt eyes cotton fabric production in PH

MANILA, Philippines – Egypt is exploring opportunities to bring its cotton fabric production to the Philippines as part of efforts to boost bilateral trade, which remains relatively small.

In an interview on Monday, Trade Secretary Cristina Roque said Egypt was considering introducing firms that could set up cotton fabric production in the Philippines, which could support the manufacture of bedsheets and other textile products.

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China and India are among the largest importers of Egyptian cotton. According to the US Foreign Agricultural Service, Egypt’s cotton area is expected to expand by 20 percent to 100,000 hectares through 2027.

The potential partnership was among the topics discussed during Roque’s meeting with Egyptian Ambassador to the Philippines Nader Zaki earlier this month.

According to the DTI, the two officials also discussed organizing a business delegation and exploring investment opportunities within the Suez Canal Economic Zone.

Roque said the Philippines was likewise revisiting plans for a trade mission to Egypt, while Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty is expected to visit Manila.

These efforts form part of a broader push to deepen economic ties between the two countries, with Egypt still sitting outside the Philippines’ top 14 trading partners.

Roque said the Philippines could also serve as a gateway for Egyptian businesses seeking access to the wider Southeast Asian market.

“I think they want to (partner), because our market is big, plus the Asean (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) also. Once we sign the Defa, at least the trade in the Asean will be open,” she said, referring to the Asean Digital Economy Framework Agreement, which member states are targeting to sign in November.

Roque also said stronger trade ties with Egypt could help expand the Philippines’ economic footprint in the Middle East following the conclusion of a free trade agreement with the United Arab Emirates earlier this year. INQ