CRE@CTIVE´s Egyptian partners, the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce and the Confederation of Egyptian European Business associations – CEEBA, held the NET-L@B “Innovation and Cooperation for Traditional Sectors Euro-Mediterranean Network” on the 22^nd of January 2023 at the Helnan Palestine Hotel, in Alexandria Egypt.

The event discussed the sectors' challenges, available solutions, and how to improve collaboration across the Mediterranean to benefit the region through a panel discussion. It highlighted the future activities of NET-L@B, where workshops, training sessions, and networking opportunities will be available to creatives and industry personnel.

Keynote speaker H.E. Mr Christian Berger, Ambassador of the European Union in Egypt, addressed in his speech the importance of innovation in traditional sectors for better quality products, higher competitiveness and more investment, and the support given by the EU via projects such as CRE@CTIVE. Mr Ahmed El Wakil, chairman of the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce, stressed the importance of industry and academia's close cooperation to push innovation in traditional sectors forward. He stressed the excellent collaboration with the Arab Academy for Science and Technology and Maritime Transport, Alexandria University, and the Academy of Scientific Research & Technology. Ms Maria Del Mar Blanes R&D manager at The Textile Industry Research Association – AITEX, CRE@CTIVE's Lead Beneficiary, presented the project and Mediterranean cooperation made through CRE@CTIVE project.

The event had a panel discussion entitled “The NETL@B – Tackling Challenges of Textile and Leather Business in Egypt” where experts from the textile, leather and footwear sectors discussed the sector's challenges and available solutions. Moderated by Dr Alaa Ezz, Secretary General of CEEBA and Federation of Egyptian Chambers, panellists included Mr Mohamed Abdel Salem, the Chairman of Apparel, Eng. Mahmoud Sarg, Chairman of Leather Export Council, Mr Mohamed Wasil, Deputy General Manager at Abou Dhabi Commercial Bank, Dr. Hany Kadah, Executive Director at Egyptian Chamber of Apparel and Home Textiles, Dr. Tamer Hamouda, Associate Professor at theAcademy of Scientific Research & Technology, Dr Ahmed Hassanin, Associate Professor at Egypt-Japan University of Science and Technology (E-JUST), Dr Ahmed Kadry, Professor Engineer at the Arab Academy of Scientific Research and Technology, Eng. Samy Gad, Head of Textile Consolidation Fund.