Egyptian Industry Minister Khaled Hisham stated that new industrial expansions align with the ministry's strategy to deepen local manufacturing, boost exports, and increase productivity. He emphasized the importance of partnerships with the private sector to achieve these goals. The minister made these remarks during the inauguration of a new production line at Unilever's "Mashreq" personal care factory in Cairo's 6th of October City.
Minister Hisham highlighted that Unilever has become a significant partner for Egypt's industry, with three factories in the country and exports to over 30 nations. The new production line exemplifies a successful model of a global company relying on local production and using Egypt as a launchpad for regional and international markets. He cited Egypt's strategic location, extensive trade agreements, skilled workforce, and ongoing infrastructure development as key competitive advantages.
The minister commended Unilever's sustainability initiatives, including water recycling and using recycled plastic in packaging. He stressed that these efforts align with the ministry's priorities to support enabling industries linked to renewable energy and resource efficiency. Hisham also praised Unilever's continued investment in Egypt and its significant contributions to employment, local manufacturing, and exports.
Minister Hisham acknowledged the intense competition among regional branches of multinational companies to attract global investments. He emphasized the importance of a competent local team and government support in convincing parent companies that Egypt offers a high return on investment. The minister assured that the Egyptian government actively supports investors, facilitating their efforts to conduct feasibility studies and providing a favorable business environment.
The Industry Ministry is committed to providing comprehensive support to Unilever and other private sector partners to drive investments that create new job opportunities, deepen local manufacturing, and increase exports. The minister expressed his wishes for Unilever's continued success and growth in Egypt. During the visit, Minister Hisham toured the factory, inspecting the new production line and learning about the advanced technologies used.
The Unilever "Mashreq" personal care factory spans 22,000 square meters, with 13,000 square meters of built-up area. It produces a diverse range of Unilever products in personal care, beauty, and home care categories. The new production line will increase the factory's annual production capacity by 20%, with all output dedicated to export markets. Currently, the factory allocates 65% of its production capacity to exports, reaching over 30 countries.
The factory sources approximately 80% of its materials locally, reinforcing the connection between Unilever's export growth and Egypt's local supply chain. Unilever ranks first in exporting personal care products from Egypt. With this new production line, the company is poised to further enhance its presence in international markets, leveraging Egypt's strategic advantages.
Key points
- Egypt's Industry Minister Khaled Hisham emphasizes the government's commitment to facilitating procedures and developing services for industrial investors.
- Unilever's new production line in Egypt will increase the factory's annual production capacity by 20%, with all output dedicated to export markets.
- The Egyptian government actively supports investors, providing a favorable business environment and facilitating their efforts to conduct feasibility studies.
