Egypt's Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade Mohamed Farid recently met with executives from France's Salins Group at the ministry's headquarters in Cairo. The meeting was attended by Benjamin Duchesne, general manager of Marine Salt Trading Cie, a Salins Group subsidiary, and export manager Gaëlle Doussard, in the presence of Christelle Labernède, head of Business France's office in Egypt. The discussion focused on the company's plans to expand its business in Egypt.
The meeting followed up on investment leads from Farid's visit to France at the end of September, when he opened the Egyptian-French Business Forum 2026 at the Luxembourg Palace, seat of the French Senate in Paris. About 200 Egyptian and French companies and institutions took part in the forum. This visit aimed to strengthen economic ties between Egypt and France and attract foreign investment to Egypt.
Salins Group, founded in 1856, is a leading producer of sea salt, vacuum salt, and rock salt, employing about 2,200 people at industrial sites in several European and African countries. The group produces about 4.5 million tonnes a year, of which 3 million tonnes is salt. In 2025, Salins generated revenue of about $550 million, which is expected to exceed $600 million.
Salins plans to draw on its technical expertise in studying a new project in Egypt, developing production and processing to serve a range of industries. The group uses all three main methods of making salt: solar evaporation, thermal processing, and mining. Its products supply the food, chemicals, agriculture, and water treatment sectors.
Minister Farid emphasized that the ministry aimed to attract quality investment that deepens local manufacturing and raises exports. The ministry will coordinate with other government bodies to ease investment requirements and help projects in the sector succeed. Egypt seeks to benefit from international expertise and advanced technology to raise efficiency and product quality.
Farid also highlighted the importance of adopting strong environmental practices and complying with environmental standards for new industrial investment. Modern technology, careful use of water, and environmental sustainability are essential for the success of new projects. Salins Group's experience and expertise in these areas can contribute to the growth of Egypt's industries.
The meeting between Minister Farid and Salins Group executives demonstrates Egypt's efforts to attract foreign investment and promote economic growth. The new project in Egypt is expected to create jobs, stimulate local industries, and increase exports. Key points include: Salins Group's plan to study a new project in Egypt, Egypt's focus on attracting quality investment, and the importance of environmental sustainability in new industrial projects.
Key points
- Salins Group to study a new project in Egypt
- Egypt aims to attract quality investment
- Environmental sustainability essential for new industrial projects
Reporting sources
- Farid meets France’s Salins Group as salt producer studies new Egypt project · Daily News Egypt
