Egypt has signed off on its first integrated silk production centre, a 250-feddan project in New Valley that aims to produce 25 tonnes of raw silk within four years. Egypt currently imports nearly all of its silk inputs. Globally, silk imports reached $1.45bn in 2023, including $321m in raw silk. Buyers in Romania ($63m imports) and Italy ($31.8m exports) are potential early partners for Egypt if quality standards are met. Officials expect thousands of direct and indirect jobs, particularly for rural youth and women engaged in home-based cocoon rearing.