The evolution of the textile subsector in Egypt: Development implications. (Volumes I and II).

摘要

This research described the textile subsector of Egypt in 1979 by identifying the participants, their linkages to each other, and their operating environment. The methodology followed other subsector work done at Michigan State University. The subsector was shown to be composed of a modern and a traditional system. Tailors and dressmakers and other small firms were in the traditional system, while ready-made clothing producers and other large firms were in the modern system.;Several analyses were also performed. The role of small enterprises in the textile subsector was examined. They contributed positively to the performance of the subsector through their industrial output and their use of labor intensive methods and indigenous resources. Furthermore, they were forces for equity since they operated in rural locations and employed many women. Their internal and external constraints to growth were also examined, including the implications for policies and projects.;A second analysis focused on the evolution of the subsector, in which the influences of regulations and economic variables were considered. The change from a traditional to a modern system was the central dynamic examined; the possibility of a premature transition was the major problem seen. A relative loss of up to one million jobs might be incurred if the transition occurs under certain assumptions.;Several recommendations were made to improve performance in the subsector. It was recommended that public sector wholesalers try to direct the subsidized cloth program through tailors and dressmakers. This would move retailing into low-cost space, promote equity and keep the labor-using tailors in business longer. The second project suggested ways to improve the exports of ready-made clothing from the private sector. The final recommendation was to review several regulations to see their effect on the evolution of the subsector.;The costs of production in each system and the mechanisms of coordination, including a determination of those firms who control the most important decisions, were also assessed. The most important conclusion was that 34 percent of the cloth used for garments was fashioned at home. Another major conclusion was that most employment and value added was in the tailoring firms, followed by the highly integrated public sector spinning and weaving firms.