Egyptian Investment and Foreign Trade Minister, Dr. Mohamed Farid, attended the opening of a new production line for Sunsilk products at Mashreq Personal Care – MPC, a Unilever MASHREQ company, in the 10th of Ramadan City. The event marked the company's 20th anniversary in Egypt. The new production line is part of Unilever MASHREQ's plans to expand its production capacity in Egypt and increase its exports to international markets.
Dr. Farid stated that the expansion of global industrial companies in Egypt sends a message of confidence in the Egyptian economy and its ability to attract foreign investments. He emphasized that supporting existing investors and enabling them to expand and increase their investments is a key focus area for the Ministry of Investment and Foreign Trade. The Ministry aims to facilitate procedures for companies and quickly address challenges they face.
The Minister highlighted that improving the investment environment involves simplifying procedures, expanding digital transformation, and enhancing services for investors. This includes developing legislative and regulatory frameworks that support companies' ability to expand and make long-term investment decisions. Dr. Farid also stressed the importance of integrating investment and foreign trade to direct investments towards sectors that can increase production and exports.
According to Dr. Farid, the Ministry views foreign direct investment as more than just capital flows, but also as a means to increase value-added, deepen industry, and transfer technology and expertise. He noted that the presence of global companies like Unilever in Egypt provides opportunities for local companies and suppliers to connect with global value chains and benefit from technical, administrative, and technological expertise.
Unilever's General and Regional Manager for North Africa, the Levant, and Iraq, Jim Tarek, stated that the company continues to implement its expansion plans in Egypt, with investments totaling around €125 million since 2015, including €7.5 million in 2026. Unilever operates three production sites in Egypt, with 43 production lines, including five new lines added in 2025 and 2026.
The company produces over 14 brands in Egypt, with a total of more than 1200 products and an annual production capacity of around 160,000 tons. Unilever exports over 50% of its Egyptian production to more than 40 countries worldwide, including markets in the Gulf region, Europe, Turkey, Africa, and the Middle East. The company also relies on a wide base of local suppliers, with over 110 Egyptian suppliers and a local component ratio of around 80%.
Unilever announced plans to increase its production capacity by around 50% over the next two years, expand into new markets, and enhance its reliance on renewable energy sources and environmental performance. The company's expansion in Egypt aligns with the government's goals to attract foreign investment, increase production and exports, and create job opportunities.
Key points
- The expansion of global companies in Egypt sends a message of confidence in the economy.
- Unilever has invested around €125 million in Egypt since 2015.
- The company aims to increase its production capacity by 50% over the next two years.
