Government

A Hong Kong business delegation has concluded a strategic mission to Dubai and Cairo aimed at strengthening trade ties and expanding opportunities for garment and textile companies in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.

Organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), the mission brought together 14 industry leaders from Hong Kong’s garment and textile sector. The visit focused on building partnerships, exploring retail and manufacturing opportunities, and positioning Hong Kong as a global hub for supply chain solutions and sourcing.

Hong Kong’s expanding role in global apparel supply chains

Often referred to as the “Pearl of the Orient,” Hong Kong has built a strong reputation in the apparel sector with nearly a century of expertise in Original Design Manufacturing (ODM) and Original Equipment Manufacturing (OEM). Hong Kong-based companies have long supported global fashion brands by delivering high-quality garments through efficient supply chains.

Today, the sector has evolved far beyond traditional manufacturing. Companies in Hong Kong offer integrated services including design development, fabric sourcing, logistics management, quality control and compliance with international regulations.

A leading example is Cobalt Fashion, a major knitwear supplier that manages global sourcing networks while providing end-to-end solutions from design to store delivery. Another key contributor to industry innovation is the Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel, which develops advanced textile technologies and sustainable recycling solutions while collaborating with global brands.

These developments have reinforced Hong Kong’s role as a major global sourcing and supply chain hub, attracting international trading houses, major retailers and premium fashion labels that operate regional buying offices in the city.

Strategic gateway connecting China and global markets

Daniel Lam, Regional Director for the Middle East and Africa at HKTDC, highlighted Hong Kong’s unique advantages as an international business platform.

“As a strategic connector bridging mainland China and the world, Hong Kong offers many strengths, including free trade and investment regimes, a simple and low tax system, and the free flow of capital and goods,” Lam said.

He added that companies can leverage Hong Kong’s position as a leading sourcing hub with strong financial and logistics infrastructure to expand into broader Asian markets. Through its global network and international events, the council continues to support companies seeking to enhance competitiveness and pursue sustainable growth.

Cairo emerges as a rising manufacturing hub

During the Cairo leg of the mission, the delegation explored Egypt’s growing role as a manufacturing powerhouse. Meetings were held with representatives from the Suez Canal Economic Zone, the China-Egypt TEDA Suez Economic and Trade Cooperation Zone, and the General Authority for Investment and Free Zones to understand investment incentives and industrial opportunities.

Delegates also met executives from Concrete Fashion Group, one of the region’s largest garment exporters and a key OEM partner for several international brands.

According to Baher Sheweikhi, Consul-General of Egypt in Hong Kong and Macao SARs, the mission highlighted Egypt’s attractiveness to global investors.

“Egypt offers substantial opportunities for international investors, combining competitive advantages with access to vital global markets,” Sheweikhi said. “This initiative has strengthened connections between Hong Kong’s garment industry leaders and Egypt’s strategic partners, and we aim to expand such missions across other sectors of mutual interest.”

Dubai strengthens position as GCC retail gateway

The delegation also visited Dubai, widely regarded as the commercial centre of the Gulf Cooperation Council region. With its thriving retail sector and world-class infrastructure, the emirate continues to attract global brands and fashion retailers.

Delegates met with major retail groups including Chalhoub Group, Brands For Less and Apparel Group. The group also toured the Dubai Mall to gain insights into retail logistics and warehouse operations.

A networking luncheon organised by HKTDC was attended by industry leaders, including Mahesh Advani, former chairman of the Dubai Textile Merchants Association (TEXMAS).

Delegates also met Ou Boqian, Consul General of China in Dubai, and Sultan Belshalat, Associate Director at the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, who shared insights on regional economic developments and labour market trends.

The delegation further visited Dubai Design District, a creative hub that hosts global fashion brands and the prestigious Dubai Fashion Week.

Opportunities for cross-regional collaboration

Shaikh Saoud Almualla, Consul-General of the UAE in Hong Kong, said the mission demonstrated the strong alignment between Hong Kong’s design and supply chain expertise and the UAE’s advanced retail and logistics ecosystem.

“The UAE continues to be a dynamic destination for global investors, offering world-class infrastructure, progressive economic policies and unmatched regional connectivity,” Almualla said.

Meanwhile, Katherine Fang, Chair of the HKTDC Garment Advisory Committee and CEO of Fang Brothers Holdings Limited, noted that Dubai’s sophisticated retail environment provides Hong Kong brands with opportunities to expand across the Gulf.

She added that Egypt’s investment incentives and proximity to European, Middle Eastern and African markets make it an attractive production base for global apparel companies.

The mission ultimately highlighted strong synergies between Hong Kong’s supply chain expertise, Dubai’s dynamic retail ecosystem and Egypt’s growing manufacturing capabilities, paving the way for deeper economic cooperation across Asia, the Middle East and North Africa.

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