Egypt courts Bursa industrialists to widen Turkish investment in textiles

Egypt's Commercial Representation Office in Istanbul met the Bursa Industrialists and Businessmen's Association (BUSIAD) and several Turkish companies on 8 October to discuss expanding Turkish investment and trade with Egypt, Egyptian business media reported. The meeting followed directives from the Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade, Mohamed Farid.

According to the reports, the Egyptian side focused on three industrial sectors: automotive components, textiles, and packaging. Officials presented Egypt as a base where Turkish manufacturers can diversify production and export to regional and international markets, including Africa.

The meeting highlighted two Bursa-based groups already operating in Egypt, Jade Textiles and KCG, which run integrated factories producing yarn, fabrics and ready-made garments, according to Egy In and Amwal Al Ghad.

"There are promising opportunities to boost Turkish investment in Egypt," said Ali Mohamed Basha, head of the commercial office in Istanbul.

Abdelaziz El-Sherif, First Undersecretary and head of Egypt's Commercial Representation Service, stressed the Egyptian market's importance as a destination for Turkish companies seeking to expand into Africa, the reports said. No investment amounts or new agreements were announced at the meeting.

Bursa is one of Türkiye's main textile centres, and the outreach adds to a series of contacts between Egyptian officials and Turkish textile and apparel producers. Egytex has reported on a steady stream of Turkish garment, denim and yarn projects in Egypt's industrial and economic zones over the past year.

What it means for Egyptian exporters

Integrated Turkish groups such as Jade and KCG bring spinning, weaving and garment capacity together with long-standing relationships with European brands. More Bursa investment would deepen Egypt's local supply of yarn and fabric, which helps garment exporters shorten lead times and meet rules-of-origin requirements in the EU and US. Egyptian suppliers of trims, dyeing and finishing services should watch for new entrants that will need local partners.