"Egypt's exports of ready-made clothes to the United States have increased to one billion dollars this year after the implementation of the qualified industrial Zones (QIZs) agreement and thanks to government facilities," an Egyptian government report said.

The report said "The exports of ready-made clothes are projected to exceed one billion dollars by the end of this year compared to $850 million in 2004, according to report by the Council of Ready-Made Clothes Exports (CRCE)."

The report further predicted that exports will be increased next year by 60 % or $1.6 billion, and officials speaking of plans to increase exports of ready-made clothes to the United States to $3.5 billion over the coming four years.

He said the government economic policies and the QIZs have attracted more foreign ready-made clothes companies, noting that 13 foreign companies operating in Egypt have increased their business by 263 per cent this year.

An official was quoted saying said that the "American trademark GAP has increased imports from Egypt from $55 million in 2004 to $93 million in 2005."

Arabicnews.com