Egypt is on the cusp of becoming a major global center for garment manufacturing and trade within the next two years, driven by a textile boom and infrastructure improvements, according to GAFI's Heiba.

Hong Kong-based Crystal Martin Group intends to establish a large-scale textile and apparel factory covering 1.5 million square meters in Egypt under the free-zone system.

Crystal Martin, with an annual turnover of approximately $2.5 billion and a client list including Levi's, Adidas, and Nike, plans to shift a significant portion of its global production to Egypt.

Daniel Stockdale, Vice-President of Crystal Martin, highlighted that Egypt's favorable incentives and skilled labor are key factors attracting the company to relocate part of its manufacturing operations.

Discussions between GAFI's Hossam Heiba, the Spinning and Textiles Export Council, and Crystal Martin executives focused on investment plans and Egypt’s potential as a global manufacturing hub.

Production at the new facility is expected to start within two years, targeting export markets such as the EU and the US, facilitated by trade agreements.

Egypt's textile sector is poised for growth thanks to infrastructure upgrades and streamlined customs processes, which will enhance import and re-export activities and bolster Egypt’s regional textile hub status.

Crystal Martin plans to apply for a golden licence to accelerate construction and operational approvals for a new labor-intensive, export-oriented factory in Egypt, aligning with the country's development goals.

The new factory is expected to create around 4,000 jobs and will focus on localizing advanced manufacturing technology, aiming for a supply chain with 60-70% local content.