The 78th edition of Cairo Fashion & Tex, Egypt’s largest international exhibition for textiles, garments, and accessories, opened its doors from 2 to 4 October, drawing over 650 companies from more than 20 countries. The event was inaugurated by H.E. Salih Mutlu Şen, Turkish Ambassador to Egypt, marking yet another milestone in the strengthening of Egypt–Turkey economic ties and the continued rise of Egypt as a regional textile hub.
Strong International Participation and Regional Cooperation
The opening ceremony gathered a distinguished lineup of local and international figures, including Alaa Ezz, Secretary General of the Confederation of Egyptian European Business Associations; Mohamed Abdel Salam, Chairperson of the Ready-Made Garments and Textiles Chamber; and Mohamed Fathi, Board Member of the Egyptian Textile Industries Chamber.
Also in attendance were several high-profile international guests: Hassan Berkani, President of Morocco’s Casablanca-Settat Chamber of Commerce; Mohammad Al Safh, Chairperson of the Jeddah Exhibitions and Events Center in Saudi Arabia; Younes Al-Mufti, President of Morocco’s National Association of Fabric Importers; and Nihad Akinci, President of the Egyptian-Turkish Businessmen Association (TOMIAD).
Their participation reflected the exhibition’s growing regional influence as a bridge between African, Arab, and international textile industries.
Ambassador Şen Highlights Turkish–Egyptian Trade Partnership
In his opening remarks, Ambassador Salih Mutlu Şen praised the deep-rooted economic cooperation between Turkey and Egypt, particularly in the textile and ready-made garment sectors. He described Cairo Fashion & Tex as “an important opportunity to showcase Egypt’s industrial potential and export capabilities to African and Arab markets,” expressing hope for the exhibition’s continued success in promoting regional collaboration and investment.
Record Exhibitor Turnout Signals Market Confidence
This year’s show featured approximately 400 Egyptian, 150 Chinese, and 25 Turkish companies, underscoring the event’s international appeal and investor confidence in the Egyptian market.
Dr. Mohamed El-Sherif, Chairperson of Pyramids Group, the exhibition’s organizer, said the record turnout reaffirms Egypt’s growing reputation as a textile and garment manufacturing hub. “Cairo Fashion & Tex serves as a strategic platform for exports and business matchmaking,” he noted, highlighting that previous editions had led to major export contracts that bolstered Egypt’s economy.
The 78th edition also aims to attract at least 500 international buyers, expanding exhibitors’ access to new markets across Africa and the Middle East.
Industry Leaders Praise Growth and Quality
Mohamed Abdel Salam emphasized the sector’s steady development, noting that Egyptian-made garments are now competing globally in both quality and design. Dr. Mohamed Fathi echoed this sentiment, saying: “We are capable of achieving even more. This exhibition is proof of Egypt’s growing presence in international markets.”
Alaa Ezz highlighted Egypt’s strategic trade advantage, noting its access to over 3 billion consumers across Africa through preferential trade agreements. “This represents a tremendous opportunity for industrial growth, investment, and job creation,” he said.
Regional Endorsements and Arab Cooperation
International guests commended Egypt’s organizational excellence and regional leadership. Hassan Berkani of Morocco called the exhibition “a model of Arab cooperation,” while Mohammad Al Safh of Saudi Arabia lauded Egypt’s success in hosting world-class trade events. TOMIAD President Nihad Akinci reaffirmed Turkey’s strong economic partnership with Egypt, noting that the association’s 850 members continue to promote mutual trade and investment between the two nations.
With its record participation and growing global profile, the Cairo Fashion & Tex Exhibition continues to strengthen Egypt’s position as a textile powerhouse and a gateway for trade and investment across Africa, the Arab world, and beyond.
