From USA-ITA OFF THE CUFF for June 7, 2013
Between rising costs in China to labor issues in Bangladesh, it’s tough to find the right balance between the right product, at the right price, and at the right level of compliance. Perhaps it’s the right time to take another look at Egypt.
On May 21st, Egypt’s Ready-Made Garment Export Council, an International Affiliate of USA-ITA, hosted a road show at the Marriott Marquis in New York City—to showcase not only the diverse, quality, duty-free apparel products that can be found in Egypt and the Qualified Industrial Zone, but also to showcase how Egyptian businesses are thriving (and working closely with their QIZ partners in Israel and Jordan) following the January 2011 revolution.
“We come to you with a stronger garment industry, fortified by the revolution,” wrote RMGEC Chairman Mohamed Kassem in the road show program. “We come with an improved physical and institutional infrastructure, an expanded QIZ coverage, a prouder and more dedicated Egyptian worker, and a clear plan for how to further improve our industry and export capabilities and reach a minimum of $10 billion in garment exports by 2025.”
Taking over two ballrooms, the road show featured nearly two dozen apparel manufacturers based in the Greater Cairo Free Zone, Suez Canal Free Zone, and Alexandria Free Zone, which can export to the United States duty free. The manufacturers had a great diversity of products, but a few things in common, primarily that they reliably deliver quality products. Every manufacturer we met with spoke of their desire to get to know their current and potential customers not just as business partners, but as friends, too.
Attendees were greeted by Alex Apparels, a factory in the Alexandria Free Zone that has been producing polo shirts, t-shirts, shorts, and other sportswear for lower-tier to mid-tier brands for 30 years. The factory is now working hard to expand into denim, and has already signed on one major U.S. retailer known for classic tees and jeans. The factory rep stressed their reputation for reliability—when you place an order with them, “you can go to sleep knowing you’ll receive it.”
Alex Apparels for Ready Made Garments Factory, Public Free Zone Al-Ameriya, Alexandria, Egypt,
Another impressive factory was the Egyptian Knitting & Ready-Made Co., also known as ETC. The family-owned factory has been producing knitwear and sportswear since 1975, and boasts a vertical operation, with everything from knitting, dying, printing, cutting, and sewing done by 1,500 in-house employees. “We have what the customer needs: reliable, high-quality goods for a good price,” said Khaled Bahaa Raafat, Vice Chairman and CEO of ETC.
Egyptian Knitting & Ready-Made Co. (ETC), Industrial Zone Al-Amal/Al-Khanka, Kalyoubia, Egypt, www.etc-eg.com
Many of the factories have women actively involved in their management, too, such as Bishara Textile Garment Manufacturing (BTM), another family-owned business that started as a dye house in 1962 and moved into apparel manufacturing. BTM was in fact the only manufacturer present producing ladies’ business wear, and produces fashionable pieces for major U.S. and UK women’s wear brands.The company's Marie Bishara produces her own fashion brand sold in Egypt, too.
Bishara Textile Garment Manufacturing (BTM), 2nd Industrial Zone B2 Masr & Sudan El Sharkia, Egypt, www.bishara.com.eg
The Blue Bird Garment Industries Factory was manned (or, womanned?) by Manal Khalifa, who worked in marketing for an insurance company before she began handling marketing for the factory owned by her sister and her sister’s husband. She showed us their quality denim pants for women and children, as well as medical garments, and urged companies to take a closer look at Egypt to “give people a chance to work and support their families” in the post-revolutionary country.
USA-ITA Communications Director Samantha Sault meets with Blue Bird.
Blue Bird Garment Industries Factory, Public Free Zone for Investment, Port Said, Egypt,
There was something for everyone at the RMGEC road show. Looking for in-house fabrics with embroidery capabilities? Check out Dice Sport & Casual Wear Factory (www.dicewears.com), a vertical factory specializing in knitwear since 1988. Do your customers want trendy dyed denim? Take a look at Dolphin Garments (www.dolphinegypt.com), which produces fashion-forward bottoms for U.S. and European high-street brands. Do you value close friendships with your suppliers? Head to Tagourey Tex, which has been producing knitted garments and children’s wear for some customers for as long as 20 years!
The day concluded with a dinner, during which Egyptian government representatives, QIZ manufacturers, and U.S. brands and retailers discussed the importance of the continued relationship. Mr. Kassem presented Gary Ross, a sourcing executive at Avon Products and USA-ITA Board Member, with a platter for USA-ITA in recognition of our work together.
RMGEC's Mohamed Kassem (right) recognizes USA-ITA and Avon's Gary Ross (left)
By sourcing in Egypt, you’ll not only be accessing quality garments with competitive labor and energy costs and duty-free treatment in the United States—you’ll also be furthering democracy in Egypt.
For more information on sourcing in Egypt, including specific products or factories, or to schedule a visit, contact