The Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises Development Agency (MSMEDA) has allocated EGP 265 million (approximately $5.31 million) over the past decade to support furniture manufacturing businesses in Damietta, one of Egypt’s most prominent furniture production hubs.
- Support for Furniture Manufacturers: The funding has been instrumental in the launch and growth of over 6,000 small and micro projects, generating 19,563 job opportunities in the region.
- Training Programs: MSMEDA has organized various training initiatives aimed at enhancing the technical, administrative, and investment skills of project owners and workers, helping local businesses improve their operations and increase productivity.
Government Support for Damietta’s Furniture Industry:
Basel Rahmy, CEO of MSMEDA, emphasized the government’s strong commitment to fostering production clusters, particularly in Damietta, which is a key area for high-quality furniture manufacturing. The region plays an important role in meeting the domestic demand for furniture and catering to the preferences of Egyptian consumers.
Export Opportunities and Market Expansion:
As part of efforts to expand the reach of these local enterprises, the government is focusing on increasing export opportunities for Damietta’s furniture, particularly in Arab markets where Egyptian furniture is in high demand.
One significant initiative is the “Made in Damietta” furniture exhibition, which showcases the region’s products to a broader audience. This year’s event, organized by MSMEDA in collaboration with the Damietta Governorate, will run from 5 to 14 December at MSMEDA’s exhibition hall in Cairo. The exhibition has been highly successful since its inception in 2016, helping to increase the visibility of Damietta’s furniture and foster new business connections with major retailers.
Impact of the Initiative:
Rahmy highlighted that the exhibition not only brings attention to the high quality and competitive pricing of Damietta furniture but also provides an opportunity for businesses to establish relationships with distributors and retailers across Greater Cairo.
The continued support from MSMEDA reflects the government’s ongoing efforts to empower small businesses, boost employment, and increase the competitiveness of Egypt’s industrial sectors, particularly in regional production hubs like Damietta.
