History of Furniture Industry in Damietta and the Beginning of Modern Development

The furniture industry in Damietta waited for more than a century to be rescued from the randomness of traditional handicrafts that once defined it and to transition into modern industrial systems. With the beginning of the era of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, efforts began to move this historic industry into a new phase based on science, technology, research, and marketing. From here, the dream of establishing Damietta Furniture City was born.

Establishment of Damietta Furniture City Company and Its Location

Damietta Furniture City Company is an Egyptian state-owned joint-stock company established by Prime Ministerial Decree No. 999 of 2015. It operates in the furniture manufacturing sector and is located in the Shata area of Damietta Governorate on an area of 331 feddans. The city lies at the intersection of the International Coastal Road and the Port Said/Damietta Road. Its strategic location is about 25 km from Damietta Port and 55 km from Port Said Port.

Components of Damietta Furniture City and Its Industrial Importance

Damietta Furniture City includes 55 hangars containing 1,348 factories and workshops for furniture production and related industries, in addition to a Furniture Technology Center. It also features 5 service centers that include central workshops to support small manufacturers, commercial shops, administrative offices, a bank, a police station, a fire station, and a medical clinic. The city is considered the first and largest specialized industrial zone for furniture and complementary industries in the Middle East.

One-Stop Shop Policy and Facilitating Procedures داخل the City

Damietta Furniture City follows a one-stop shop policy, which ensures the availability of all required licenses and essential services such as water and electricity, saving significant time and effort for investors and manufacturers.

Laying the Foundation Stone and Political Support for the Project

In May 2017, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi laid the foundation stone for the first phase of Damietta Furniture City, considering it one of the most important development projects that would bring a major economic transformation for small and medium furniture manufacturers. As the project serves as a launching point for small and medium industries, he emphasized that it should become a model to be applied across all Egyptian governorates, each according to its specialized industry, reflecting his belief that Damietta is a major economic capital and a powerful model of production and success.

Objectives of Damietta Furniture City Project and Economic Development

The Damietta Furniture City project aims to achieve strategic goals that enhance the Egyptian economy and drive development through:

• Reducing the congestion of furniture workshops in residential areas in Damietta and preserving the environment.

• Developing and advancing the furniture industry in line with the latest global developments.

• Transforming Damietta Furniture City into an integrated and specialized hub while improving the quality of Egyptian furniture products.

• Increasing furniture exports to foreign markets, especially European markets, and creating export opportunities to enhance regional and international competitiveness.

• Providing more direct and indirect job opportunities.

• Reducing reliance on cheap, low-quality imported furniture.

• Combining inherited craftsmanship with modern technology.

Training skilled craftsmen and professionals to ensure the sustainability of the craft and prevent its disappearance. For More Info