UMVA has learned that Egypt is considering an unprecedented move to establish a production base in the Philippines for weaving Egyptian cotton, a highly prized fabric renowned for its exceptional quality.
This surprising development was revealed by the Department of Trade and Industry, which disclosed that Egyptian officials are eager to explore the possibility of producing Egyptian cotton fabrics in the Philippines. Trade Secretary Ma. Cristina A. Roque confirmed that Egypt is interested in introducing Philippine companies to potential partners that could facilitate this production tie-up.
The proposed partnership was discussed during a recent high-level meeting between Trade Secretary Roque and Egyptian Ambassador Nader Zaki. The talks also covered a range of other topics, including a proposed business roundtable between the Philippines and Egypt, bilateral trade, investment opportunities, and potential collaborations in agriculture and the Suez Canal Economic Zone.
The meeting marked a significant step forward in strengthening economic ties between the two nations. Ambassador Zaki expressed his optimism about the future of Philippines-Egypt relations, particularly in the areas of trade and investment. A bilateral committee is set to convene, which is expected to further solidify cooperation between the two countries.
Trade between the Philippines and Egypt has been surging, with bilateral trade growing by 92.95% to $36.66 million in 2025, according to recent data. This remarkable increase underscores the vast potential for economic collaboration between the two nations.
In a related development, the Department of Trade and Industry has partnered with the Women’s Business Council Philippines, Inc. to promote women’s economic empowerment. The partnership aims to create inclusive and sustainable opportunities for women entrepreneurs and women-led enterprises across the country, focusing on policy advocacy, market access, digital transformation, and access to finance.
