The Textile Industries Chamber officially inaugurated the 58th edition of the “Defile Kids International” exhibition, one of the most prestigious events in the children’s apparel sector in Egypt and the Middle East. The exhibition opened with the participation of more than 200 local factories and is being held at the Cairo International Convention & Exhibition Center in Nasr City from January 2 to 4, under the sponsorship of the Textile Industries Chamber at the Federation of Egyptian Industries.
This year’s edition reinforces Egypt’s leading position in ready-made garment manufacturing, providing a comprehensive platform to showcase the latest innovations and collections, open new markets for Egyptian factories, and boost exports to Arab and international markets alike.
Engineer Abdelghani Abasiri, Board Member of the Textile Industries Chamber and the Federation of Egyptian Industries, described the exhibition as a significant milestone for the children’s apparel industry, emphasizing that it features high-caliber exhibitors and a diverse range of products reflecting the evolution of Egypt’s ready-made garment sector.
Abasiri highlighted the exhibition’s transition from a local event to an international platform primarily aimed at boosting Egyptian exports. The current edition hosts approximately 200 exhibitors showcasing their latest designs and innovations.
He noted that around 150 international visitors from nine countries, including Algeria, Iraq, Jordan, Morocco, Palestine, and Libya, have attended the exhibition, with the primary goal of securing direct export contracts, which began materializing from the very first hours of the event.
Abasiri also pointed out that the presence of multiple Syrian factories among the exhibitors underscores the strength of Egyptian-Syrian industrial collaboration and its ability to penetrate international markets. Visitors confirmed that Egyptian products now compete on both quality and price with imported alternatives. Many buyers noted that they no longer need to source from China after witnessing the high-quality and diverse Egyptian offerings, reinforcing confidence in local products and opening broader opportunities for exports.
He also emphasized the Textile Industries Chamber’s role in supporting such exhibitions, citing a cooperation protocol with the General Authority for Exhibitions and Conferences to facilitate the participation of foreign delegations. Organizers have committed to exceeding target attendance numbers, attracting additional visitors, and intensifying specialized exhibitions as a fast-track method to boost Egyptian exports and consolidate Egypt’s regional leadership in textiles and children’s apparel.
Engineer Hossam Feidallah, Chairman of Defile Egypt Group, the organizing company, described the exhibition as the oldest and largest children’s apparel event in Egypt. He noted that the current edition features over 1,000 brands represented by 200 Egyptian factories, highlighting the strength and attractiveness of the Egyptian market for both investors and manufacturers.
Feidallah stressed that the exhibition aims to increase Egyptian exports in line with state directives, particularly amid a saturated domestic market, and that “Defile Kids” has become a gateway for Egyptian factories to access new Arab and international markets, enhancing the competitiveness of Egyptian products worldwide.
He also emphasized that the exhibition continues to attract factories and investments from across the region, while promoting innovation, quality, and excellence that have characterized its 28-year history. Scheduled one-on-one meetings between exhibitors and foreign delegations are expected to boost direct export contracts. Feidallah also praised the cooperation with the General Authority for Exhibitions and Conferences for facilitating foreign participation and efficiently managing logistics.
Omar Feidallah, CEO of the organizing company, stated that the current edition saw wide participation from international buyers and delegations, focusing on markets that rely heavily on Egyptian exports, including Jordan, Libya, and Iraq, alongside new markets such as Algeria, Tunisia, Yemen, and Saudi Arabia.
He noted that the total number of international buyers reached approximately 400, including 150 supported by the General Authority for Exhibitions, reflecting growing confidence in the quality and variety of Egyptian products. Visitors represented around nine countries.
Omar Feidallah highlighted the exhibition’s internal logistics system, noting that the company operates an in-house transport team to manage bus transfers for traders from different governorates, without relying on external companies. The first day alone welcomed 1,300 traders, with total attendance expected to reach 4,500–5,000 visitors over the three days, and over 10,000 visitors including Cairo, Giza, and international traders.
He confirmed that the exhibition’s primary goal is boosting exports and enhancing the international reputation of Egyptian products, with last year’s contracts exceeding $10 million and this year targeting $20 million or more, supported by a stable exchange rate and competitive pricing. He also revealed that some factories and investments from Turkey and the Levant have opened branches in Egypt, reflecting the country’s competitive industrial environment.
Wijdan Hossam, Business Development Manager, highlighted the exhibition’s innovative programs, including “Fashion Show” events in Hall 5, showcasing the artistic and aesthetic development of Egyptian products, while enhancing brand value and providing factories with the opportunity to present their latest designs.
She added that the exhibition offers an innovative marketing platform, with the “Defile Studio” allowing professional photography of exhibitors and products, giving factories modern tools to promote their products locally and internationally.
Wijdan Hossam also revealed that the organizing company is preparing a major celebration in 2026 to mark the exhibition’s 30th anniversary, including an international conference where manufacturers and sponsors will share their experience and development over the past three decades, along with the launch of the “Defile Museum” to document the history of leading brands in the children’s apparel sector.
