• There are about 7,200 textile-related companies operating in Egypt, according to the General Authority for Investment. Mohamed Abd El Ghany / Reuters
    There are about 7,200 textile-related companies operating in Egypt, according to the General Authority for Investment. Mohamed Abd El Ghany / Reuters
  • Egypt’s textile exports have slid more than 8 per cent since the ouster of Hosni Mubarak, to $2.2 billion in 2012 from from $2.4bn in 2011. Mohamed Abd El Ghany / Reuters
    Egypt’s textile exports have slid more than 8 per cent since the ouster of Hosni Mubarak, to $2.2 billion in 2012 from from $2.4bn in 2011. Mohamed Abd El Ghany / Reuters
  • Tens of thousands of textile workers went on strike in February to demand for higher wages and better working conditions in Egypt. Mohamed Abd El Ghany / Reuters
    Tens of thousands of textile workers went on strike in February to demand for higher wages and better working conditions in Egypt. Mohamed Abd El Ghany / Reuters
  • Striking workers suspended their labour action for 60 days after the Egyptian government promised to meet their demands. Mohamed Abd El Ghany / Reuters
    Striking workers suspended their labour action for 60 days after the Egyptian government promised to meet their demands. Mohamed Abd El Ghany / Reuters
  • Egypt’s new prime minister Ibrahim Mahlab urged an end to labour strikes and protests, which are straining the economy. Above, a worker at a textile mill in Mahalla El Kubra, north of Cairo. Mohamed Abd El Ghany / Reuters
    Egypt’s new prime minister Ibrahim Mahlab urged an end to labour strikes and protests, which are straining the economy. Above, a worker at a textile mill in Mahalla El Kubra, north of Cairo. Mohamed Abd El Ghany / Reuters
  • Manufacturers fear competition from low-cost exporters such as Bangladesh will destroy their industries if they have to increase workers’ salaries. Mohamed Abd El Ghany / Reuters
    Manufacturers fear competition from low-cost exporters such as Bangladesh will destroy their industries if they have to increase workers’ salaries. Mohamed Abd El Ghany / Reuters
  • There are about 7,200 textile-related companies, according to Egyptian government data. Mohamed Abd El Ghany / Reuters
    There are about 7,200 textile-related companies, according to Egyptian government data. Mohamed Abd El Ghany / Reuters
  • Although some of the Egypt’s textile industry’s skilled workers earn more than the minimum wage already, the bulk of the labour force earns less. Mohamed Abd El Ghany / Reuters
    Although some of the Egypt’s textile industry’s skilled workers earn more than the minimum wage already, the bulk of the labour force earns less. Mohamed Abd El Ghany / Reuters
  • Workers who joined the February strike say the 1,200 Egyptian pounds minimum wage introduced in January would not suffice. Mohamed Abd El Ghany / Reuters
    Workers who joined the February strike say the 1,200 Egyptian pounds minimum wage introduced in January would not suffice. Mohamed Abd El Ghany / Reuters
  • Manufacturers fear competition from low-cost exporters such as Bangladesh will destroy their industries if they have to increase workers’ salaries. Mohamed Abd El Ghany / Reuters
    Manufacturers fear competition from low-cost exporters such as Bangladesh will destroy their industries if they have to increase workers’ salaries. Mohamed Abd El Ghany / Reuters
  • Egypt’s new prime minister Ibrahim Mahlab urged an end to labour strikes and protests, which are straining the economy. Mohamed Abd El Ghany / Reuters
    Egypt’s new prime minister Ibrahim Mahlab urged an end to labour strikes and protests, which are straining the economy. Mohamed Abd El Ghany / Reuters

The National

In pictures: Weaving the future for Egypt

Liz Claus

March 06, 2014

  • English
  • Arabic

Egypt’s textile industry is one of the country’s biggest employers, providing a quarter of all industrial jobs. But one of Egypt’s vital industries is at risk because of rising costs, causing more than 600 textile factories to shutter operations.

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