The gains put the country on track to exceed its ambitious target of USD 3.5 billion (EGP 168.77 billion) in sales abroad by year’s end. The Netherlands took fourth place at USD 129 million (EGP 6.22 billion), an 87 percent rise, overtaking Spain, which imported USD 125 million (EGP 6.03 billion), up 47 percent. “The expected rise in exports is driven by significant growth in foreign direct investment in Egypt’s garment sector, particularly from Turkey, Vietnam, and China,” Marzouk said. If monthly growth continues at around 30 to 35 percent, Egypt’s garment exports could exceed USD 3.7 billion (EGP 178.41 billion) by the end of the year, a record high for the industry, according to Marzouk. Looking ahead, the Council aims to lift garment exports to USD 12 billion (EGP 578.64 billion) by 2031.