Egypt's Minister of Investment Hassan El-Khatib met with PepsiCo executives on Wednesday to explore the company's future investment plans and reaffirm the country's commitment to becoming a regional hub for food and beverage manufacturing. During talks with Steve Cahillane, PepsiCo's vice chairman and head of External Affairs, Minister El-Khatib highlighted the government's ongoing efforts to improve infrastructure, simplify business procedures, and create a more competitive investment climate—especially for international companies in key productive sectors like food, beverages, and agri-processing. "Egypt's geographic location and strong access to African and Arab markets make it a natural base for regional expansion," Minister El-Khatib said, adding that the country offers a large, diversified consumer base, competitive labor, and a modernised infrastructure following a decade of major investments in transport, energy, and telecoms. The minister noted that Egypt is advancing clear and transparent regulatory frameworks to support industrial growth and deepen supply chain integration, aligning with national efforts to boost value-added production and exports. Cahillane, for his part, said Egypt remains a priority market for PepsiCo and a strategic platform for its growth in the Middle East and Africa. He reaffirmed the company's commitment to expanding investments and strengthening partnerships across agriculture, manufacturing, and distribution. PepsiCo has undertaken a comprehensive review of its Egypt operations and is working to adapt its offerings to evolving consumer preferences while continuing to invest in local supply chains and collaborate closely with Egyptian farmers, he said. The meeting comes as Egypt actively courts foreign investors in high-growth sectors, positioning itself as a gateway to regional markets and a key node in global value chains. Attribution: Amwal Al Ghad English Subediting: Y.Yasser Ask ChatGPAttribution: Amwal Al Ghad English
