Gov. Applies Strict Measures to Prevent Imitation of Egyptian Cotton

Nevine Gamea, Minister of Trade and Industry confirmed that Egyptian cotton enjoys competitive advantages in various global markets and is of the highest quality, noting that the government launched the Egyptian cotton brand 20 years ago to prevent its imitation.

This came during the minister's speech on Wednesday - via video conference - in the activities of the second celebration of the World Cotton Day, with the participation of Ministry of the Public Business Sector, the International Cotton Advisory Committee (CAC) based in Washington, DC, the Holding Company for Cotton, Spinning & Weaving and the Cotton Egypt Association, in the presence of  Mohamed Negm, Vice President of the International Cotton Research Association (ICRA).

The minister said that Egypt applies strict procedures to verify the components of any product made from 100% Egyptian cotton.

"A review is conducted on companies authorized to use the Egyptian cotton brand through a complete tracking system for components at all stages of production in the supply chain in addition to a procedure Analyzing the DNA of samples of manufactured tissue," the minister added.

She indicated that the government is implementing a comprehensive modernization program for the cotton, spinning and weaving industries through the restructuring and development of companies affiliated with the Holding Company for Cotton.

She pointed out that cotton is one of the pillars of the spinning, weaving and clothing industry in Egypt, adding the number of employees in this sector is estimated at 9 million.

"Egypt chairing the ICAC during the past year reflects the great interest that the state attached to the cotton industry as one of the strategic crops for the national economy," Gamea said.

Gamea pointed out that the government is making great efforts to develop the cotton industry, starting with agriculture by preserving the selected strains and the natural characteristics of Egyptian cotton, as well as coordination with the General Authority for Arbitration and Cotton Testing (GATGO) and the Cotton Exporters Association.

She pointed out that the ministry spares no effort to provide full support to small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) operating in the field of spinning, weaving and ready-made garments, pointing out that Egypt officially joined the BCI "Best Cotton Initiative" in coordination with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) with the aim of enhancing the sustainability of the entire cotton value chain, increase exports and improve the living conditions of cotton producers.

Finally, the minister thanked the international bodies supporting the World Cotton Day initiative presented by C4 countries, which include Benin, Burkina Faso, Chad and Mali.