El-Khatib: Structural reforms coming for Egypt’s cotton industry

Egypt’s Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade Hassan El-Khatib on Wednesday held high-level talks with representatives from the country’s cotton industry to discuss ways to revitalise the sector, boost exports, and protect farmers, amid mounting challenges to cultivation and global competitiveness.

Minister El-Khatib met with the head of the General Division for Cotton and several members of the division in a wide-ranging discussion focused on enhancing the national cotton system. He underscored the strategic importance of cotton to Egypt’s economy, citing the long-standing global reputation of Egyptian cotton for its exceptional quality.

“The cotton sector remains a key pillar of Egypt’s economic strength. We must act decisively to preserve its prestige and modernise the entire value chain,” Minister El-Khatib said.

The minister announced the formation of a specialised task force to assess the current cotton ecosystem and propose reforms to strengthen production, marketing, and exports—while prioritising farmer welfare.

He called for clear regulatory frameworks to stabilise the market and protect producers, adding that the government is preparing targeted initiatives to support agricultural income and ensure fair returns.

Minister El-Khatib also highlighted the need to expand contract farming as a sustainable mechanism to secure farmers’ rights and improve predictability in production and trade.

“We are committed to coordinated efforts with both public and private stakeholders to reinforce Egypt’s cotton on the global stage and open more export markets,” the minister added.

Egyptian cotton, prized globally for its fine, long fibres, has faced challenges in recent years from shifting market dynamics, climate pressures, and inefficiencies in the value chain. The government sees revitalising the sector as critical to boosting rural livelihoods and driving foreign exchange earnings.

Attribution: Amwal Al Ghad English

Subediting: Y.Yasser