The International Trade Centre gathered together 10 Tunisian and 26 Egyptian enterprises in May in Cairo for the first business-to-business mission since the outbreak to discuss business and look into potential for regional trade.
The top exports from the Middle East and North Africa are textiles and apparel. The Agadir Agreement established a free trade zone that included Egypt, Jordan, Morocco, and Tunisia, making these nations significant industry catalysts.
Through its work in the region and the Global Textiles and Clothing program, the International Commerce Centre helps small and medium-sized businesses in the Agadir countries grow regional trade. The GTEX/MENATEX program encourages the growth of regional supply chains, promotes collaboration, and allows for the exchange of knowledge and best practices.
"This was the first regional activity after the pandemic. It gave companies the motivation needed as markets reopened, business travels and in-person trade fairs are back to everyday reality,” said Rasha Fahim, executive director of the Egyptian Textiles & Home Textiles Export Council (THTEC).
The Tunisian businesses worked in lingerie, sportswear, denim, zippers and accessories. The Egyptian businesses worked in casuals, knitwear, acrylic, bamboo, blends yarns, as well as cottons.
The 85 meetings and 18 factory visits have already yielded tangible results. Éclair, a Tunisian company that produces accessories, has started selling its products to two Egyptian garment manufacturers.
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