Egypt’s Minister of Industry, Khaled Hashem, met with executives from Bel Egypt, a leading dairy products manufacturer, to review the company’s current operations, future expansion plans, and opportunities to deepen local manufacturing and increase domestic sourcing.
The meeting was attended by Hany Aram, Bel’s Regional Manager for Egypt and Northeast Africa, Noha Adel, Director of Legal Affairs and Government Relations for Egypt, Northeast Africa and the Middle East, along with senior officials from the Ministry of Industry.
During the meeting, Hashem reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to transforming manufacturers’ demand for imported raw materials and production inputs into local manufacturing opportunities by connecting companies with qualified domestic suppliers that meet international quality standards.
He said the initiative aims to increase local content, reduce reliance on imports, and enhance the competitiveness of Egyptian industry.
The meeting also reviewed Bel Egypt’s production requirements and explored opportunities to source a greater share of production inputs from local manufacturers.
Hashem stressed that the ministry is working to improve the industrial investment climate by addressing challenges facing investors in industrial zones through continuous field inspections and direct engagement with companies.
He added that specialised technical committees have been established to conduct regular visits to industrial areas, enabling the rapid resolution of operational issues while supporting the stability and sustainability of industrial activity.
The minister noted that all investor complaints are being closely monitored and addressed as part of the government’s efforts to create a more attractive investment environment.
Bel Egypt highlighted its steady growth in the Egyptian market since commencing operations in 1998. The company has invested approximately €150m in Egypt and has exported nearly 80% of its production to 19 countries, generating more than €1.4bn in export revenues over the past 15 years, reinforcing Egypt’s position as a regional manufacturing and export hub.
The company also reviewed operations at its factory in 10th of Ramadan City, where 90% of packaging materials are sourced locally, reflecting its commitment to strengthening domestic supply chains and expanding local manufacturing.
Bel Egypt further presented an innovative distribution model developed during recent crises, which helped ensure uninterrupted product availability in both domestic and regional markets.
The discussions also covered the company’s corporate social responsibility initiatives, including a school nutrition programme implemented in partnership with the Egyptian Food Bank that provides around 250,000 meals in Upper Egypt, employment initiatives for young people leaving care institutions, healthcare programmes for retail partners and their families, and digital financing solutions for small retailers.
For his part, Hany Aram praised the Ministry of Industry’s efforts to improve Egypt’s industrial investment environment and streamline procedures for manufacturers. He said the government’s industrial policies and focus on local manufacturing have strengthened the confidence of multinational companies in the Egyptian market and support Bel Egypt’s plans to expand its investments in the country in the coming years.
