Damietta, a vital hub in Egypt’s economy, has long been recognised for its diverse and thriving industrial sectors. From furniture manufacturing to fishing, the city’s strategic location along the Mediterranean coast and its access to the Nile have shaped its historical and economic significance. These natural advantages, combined with a skilled workforce, have allowed Damietta to become a centre of both domestic and international trade. Over the years, its industries have expanded to meet the demands of local and foreign markets, fostering growth in key sectors such as furniture, textiles, dairy products, and shipbuilding. As Damietta continues to contribute to Egypt’s overall economic development, it faces both opportunities and challenges in modernising its industries, expanding its markets, and improving infrastructure. This article offers an in-depth look into the various economic sectors that make Damietta a unique contributor to the country’s economy.
Furniture
Furniture manufacturing is one of the most significant industries in Damietta, employing 84% of the workforce. The governorate produces more than two-thirds of the country’s furniture, renowned for its quality both locally and internationally. The number of workshops in Damietta includes:
– 7,792 carpentry workshops
– 7,974 complementary workshops
– Over 1,000 furniture galleries
This sector employs more than 75,000 workers.
Other industries and commercial activities related to the furniture sector include:
– Plywood merchants (approximately 450)
– Furniture gallery owners (around 2,500)
– Glass and marble workshops (about 85)
– Upholstery suppliers (approximately 20)
The monthly production capacity of the furniture industry is as follows:
– 20,000 bedroom and dining room sets
– 6,000 living room sets
Damietta’s furniture industry has earned an international reputation, with the Arab Gulf and Russian markets being key export destinations. The responsible authorities in the governorate are actively addressing industry challenges, including taxation issues. An agreement has recently been reached to implement a fair tax system, benefiting all workers.
Efforts have also led to the establishment of a permanent furniture exhibition in Cairo, boosting marketing and exports. Authorities are working to strengthen cooperative marketing efforts, modernise industry practices, and provide financial support to improve production quality and meet international standards.
Shoes Production
Damietta’s shoe production sector manufactures approximately 1.5 million pairs per year. The industry includes around 800 production units employing over 2,400 workers. In addition to 250 retail outlets, shoes are also sold through the branches of the Egyptian cooperative society and Bata Company.
Textile
Damietta has long been known for its textile industry, supported by its proximity to high-quality flax and cotton farms. The industry includes over 40 textile works and is closely linked to dyeing and preparation services. The raw materials used in production include artificial silk, cotton thread, and vibran. The industry’s production capacity exceeds 240 tons per year.
DamieTex, a major player in this industry, has implemented an ambitious plan to expand exports. By modernising its equipment and facilities, the company has increased production capacity from 1,800 to 3,970 tons of cotton thread, with 80% of this output destined for export to Europe and the United States. Between 1998 and 2001, the company’s capital remained constant at EGP 3.182 million, while the number of workers saw a slight decline, dropping by 3% to 3,966 employees in 2001. During the same period, total wages and salaries rose to EGP 26.149 million. Despite a decrease of 13% in local sales, export value increased by EGP 6.26 million, or 39%, highlighting the company’s growing international market presence.
Dairies
Damietta is renowned for its production of cottage cheese, which has been exported to Arab and international markets for centuries. The private sector plays a central role in dairy production, with 240 works and one public sector company (Misr Dairies). Additionally, 59,927 animal units supply the industry. Around 800 workers process 200 tons of cheese per day in the private sector.
Pastries
Damietta is also well known for its production of famous sweets, such as al-mishabik, harisa, stuffed Turkish delight, and various other Eastern confections. The sector includes 126 production units employing around 500 workers, producing approximately 20,000 tons of sweets annually.
Fishing and Fish Production
Fishing and shipbuilding are two of the oldest industries in Damietta, owing to the governorate’s strategic location surrounded by water. Damietta has a prestigious reputation in fishing, having once been Egypt’s primary port. With over 600 automatic fishing vessels operating from the town of Ezbet Al-Borg, Damietta boasts one of the world’s largest fishing fleets, second only to Italy. These ships fish in the Mediterranean, the Red Sea, and the northern part of the Indian Ocean, making up more than 50% of Egypt’s fishing fleet, with a production capacity of over 1,000 tons per year.
The governorate, in collaboration with the General Association for Developing Fish Wealth, has implemented numerous projects to enhance fish production and achieve self-sufficiency in Egypt. One such project involves the successful introduction of fish breeding in cages, which has become a pioneering model for other regions.
Edfina for Canned Food, a key player in Damietta’s fishing industry, was established in 1959 and specialises in canning sardines and producing fish oil. Its production capacity is around 7,000 tons of canned food annually, alongside 4,000 tons of fish powder and oil. From 1999 to 2001, Edfina’s capital remained stable at EGP 40 million. However, during the same period, the number of workers decreased by 8%, from 205 in 1999 to 185 in 2001. Despite a 10% drop in production value, from EGP 82 million in 2000 to EGP 74 million in 2001, the company’s exports increased by 20%, reaching EGP 18 million in 2001. Local sales, however, saw a decline of 13%, falling from EGP 68 million in 2000 to EGP 59 million in 2001.
Shipbuilding
Damietta has a long-standing tradition of shipbuilding, passed down through generations. This expertise, combined with navigational knowledge and international exposure, has earned Damietta a prominent reputation in shipbuilding.
Recent efforts to support and expand this industry include:
– Allocating space in Ezbet Al-Borg for the establishment of Egypt’s largest shipbuilding arsenal, producing vessels for regional and international use.
– Constructing an automatic maintenance complex for the fishing fleet in Ezbet Al-Borg.
– Building an ice factory to supply vessels with ice for long fishing trips.
– Hosting a development conference in **Ras El-Barr** in 1989, resulting in reduced customs duties on imported fishing equipment and contracts with foreign representatives for the construction of yachts and boats.
Salt Extraction
Damietta has long been famous for salt production, extracting salt from various sites along the Mediterranean coast and Al-Manzala Lake. Salt is produced by digging shallow basins to collect saltwater, which evaporates, leaving crystallised salt. The salt is then processed in factories in Damietta or Port Said.
Tourism also plays a significant role in Damietta’s economy, although this sector will be explored in greater detail in a forthcoming article dedicated exclusively to its impact and development.
In a nutshell, Damietta’s economic landscape demonstrates the city’s remarkable ability to harness its natural resources, skilled workforce, and strategic location to thrive in a variety of industries. The furniture sector, with its high level of craftsmanship and export reach, remains the backbone of Damietta’s economy. Meanwhile, the city’s rich history in fishing, textiles, shipbuilding, and food production continues to fuel its growth and diversification. As Damietta moves forward, the challenge lies in maintaining this momentum by embracing innovation, expanding its global footprint, and improving infrastructure to support its industries. With ongoing efforts to modernise production techniques and increase exports, the city’s economic future looks promising. Through collaborative efforts from both public and private sectors, Damietta stands poised to strengthen its position as a key player in Egypt’s broader economic development while preserving the rich cultural and industrial heritage that has long defined the region.