Hong Kong Mission Explores UAE and Egypt Textile Opportunities

09 Mar 2026 CW Team

In recent decades, the city’s garment industry has evolved beyond manufacturing to focus on higher value activities such as design innovation, sourcing management and brand development. Organisations such as the Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel are advancing textile innovation and sustainability, while companies like Cobalt Fashion provide end-to-end supply chain solutions for global retailers.

To strengthen international collaboration, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) recently led a delegation of 14 garment and textile industry leaders to Dubai in the UAE and Cairo in Egypt. The mission aimed to explore market opportunities, strengthen partnerships and identify strategic expansion pathways across the Middle East and North Africa.

In Cairo, the delegation engaged with key institutions including the Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCZONE), the China-Egypt TEDA Suez Economic and Trade Cooperation Zone and the General Authority for Investment and Free Zones (GAFI). Discussions focused on Egypt’s growing manufacturing ecosystem and its potential as a competitive export-oriented production base.

Dubai offered insights into the Gulf’s rapidly expanding retail landscape. Delegates met leading retail groups such as Chalhoub Group, Brands For Less and Apparel Group, and visited Dubai Mall to understand retail logistics and consumer trends. The mission also included meetings with regional industry leaders and government officials to discuss economic and labour market dynamics.

Industry leaders noted that Dubai provides strong opportunities for brand expansion through its retail ecosystem, while Egypt offers strategic advantages for large-scale manufacturing and exports. Together, the two markets present significant growth potential for Hong Kong’s garment and textile sector seeking global expansion.

Hong Kong is strengthening its role as a global sourcing and supply chain hub for the garment and textile sector, offering international businesses access to advanced logistics, sourcing networks and design expertise. With nearly a century of industry experience, Hong Kong companies are recognised for their Original Design Manufacturing (ODM) and Original Equipment Manufacturing (OEM) capabilities, supporting major global brands with high-quality garments and efficient supply chain solutions.In recent decades, the city’s garment industry has evolved beyond manufacturing to focus on higher value activities such as design innovation, sourcing management and brand development. Organisations such as the Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel are advancing textile innovation and sustainability, while companies like Cobalt Fashion provide end-to-end supply chain solutions for global retailers.To strengthen international collaboration, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) recently led a delegation of 14 garment and textile industry leaders to Dubai in the UAE and Cairo in Egypt. The mission aimed to explore market opportunities, strengthen partnerships and identify strategic expansion pathways across the Middle East and North Africa.In Cairo, the delegation engaged with key institutions including the Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCZONE), the China-Egypt TEDA Suez Economic and Trade Cooperation Zone and the General Authority for Investment and Free Zones (GAFI). Discussions focused on Egypt’s growing manufacturing ecosystem and its potential as a competitive export-oriented production base.Dubai offered insights into the Gulf’s rapidly expanding retail landscape. Delegates met leading retail groups such as Chalhoub Group, Brands For Less and Apparel Group, and visited Dubai Mall to understand retail logistics and consumer trends. The mission also included meetings with regional industry leaders and government officials to discuss economic and labour market dynamics.Industry leaders noted that Dubai provides strong opportunities for brand expansion through its retail ecosystem, while Egypt offers strategic advantages for large-scale manufacturing and exports. Together, the two markets present significant growth potential for Hong Kong’s garment and textile sector seeking global expansion.

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