On 5th November 2024, the Phase II of the Egyptian Cotton Project – following up to the previously completed initiative , titled: “From cotton seeds to clothing: Enhancing the sustainability, inclusiveness and value addition of the cotton value chain in Egypt” – was officially launched during a dedicated signing ceremony held in Cairo.

Opening remarks for the ceremony were given by the Egyptian Deputy Prime Minister for Industrial Affairs and Minister of Industry and Transport, H.E. Lieutenant General Kamel Al-Wazir, the Minister of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation, H.E Dr. Rania A. Al-Mashat,  the Minister of Agriculture and Land reclamation, H.E. Alaa Farouk, and UNIDO Regional Representative Dr. Patrick Gilabert, at the presence of Dr. Martino Melli, the Head of the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) in Egypt.  

The Egyptian Ministries underlined the historical importance of the Egyptian cotton, as a cultural heritage and a pillar of the agricultural and industrial sectors. They also praised AICS and UNIDO for partnering with the Government of Egypt in implementing such initiatives, fostering important collaborations along the Egyptian cotton value chain and enhancing the competitiveness of the Egyptian textile sector to comply with sustainability requirements. 

As new regulations and requirements in end markets — particularly in the EU and US — continue to evolve, the project is designed to support the Egyptian cotton sector from farm to industry. It will provide qualified expertise and advanced knowledge on the latest trends in sustainability, transparency, and traceability, ensuring that the sector remains competitive and compliant in a rapidly changing marketplace.

“What began as a singular vision of Filmar group an Italian company based in Egypt, it has evolved into a national program dedicated to boosting the sustainability of Egyptian long and extra-long staple cotton, from seed to garment, through solid collaborations with Egyptian ministries, sectoral institutions, and private sector stakeholders”, commented UNIDO Dr. Gilabert, “Phase I brought outstanding achievements. As we embark on Phase II, we are not only continuing our work but amplifying it.”

The project is now being managed by the UNIDO Italian Investment and Technology Promotion Office (ITPO Italy), who plays a crucial role in bridging Italian expertise and technology with local initiatives, ensuring that the project benefits from cutting-edge practices and innovations in the cotton and textile sectors. This collaboration facilitates effective coordination between Italian and Egyptian institutions, enhancing the capacity of local stakeholders to meet international market requirements.