In a significant stride towards promoting innovation and development in Egypt's textile, leather, and footwear sectors, a panel discussion was organized by the Confederation of Egyptian European Business Associations (CEEBA) in cooperation with the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce and the Egyptian Chamber of Apparel and Home Textiles (ECAHT), on September 17, 2023. The primary agenda of this event was to discuss the establishment of the Regional Observatory for these traditional industries, aiming to address sector challenges, provide financial solutions, and enhance collaboration for innovators and SMEs.

Under the CRE@CTIVE project, the Regional Observatory is a collaborative initiative aimed at improving policies and financing innovation in these sectors. The panel discussion gathered industry stakeholders to share insights into sector challenges and explore available financial solutions.

One of the key themes was the importance of collaboration for innovation and growth. The Regional Observatory seeks to create an ecosystem that nurtures innovation by fostering collaboration between industry players, innovators, and SMEs.

The CRE@CTIVE NET-L@B, part of the ENI CBC MED Programme, and one of six creative labs created in the five partner countries of the project, offerd specialized workshops and networking opportunities to promote knowledge exchange in these industries.

This event marked a significant step towards revitalizing Egypt's textile, leather, and footwear sectors. The establishment of the Regional Observatory demonstrates a commitment to fostering innovation and competitiveness in these industries, ensuring their future success after the project's completion.

The panel discussion invited stakeholders to actively participate in this transformative initiative, signaling a promising future for these traditional industries in Egypt. The Regional Observatory has the potential to reinvigorate these sectors, making them more competitive in the global market.