Saint-Gobain Egypt, the local subsidiary of France's construction materials giant, plans to double its exports to African markets to around €120 million annually, aligning with its regional expansion strategy and Egypt's broader drive to boost exports. According to a statement from Egypt's Commercial Service (ECS) on Tuesday, ECS head Abdel Aziz Elsherif and Saint-Gobain Egypt CEO Ahmed Wafik discussed the company's investment plans and efforts to tap African markets using the advantages of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Elsherif reaffirmed Egypt's full support for Saint-Gobain's export and investment expansion, emphasising that free trade deals with African countries offer major opportunities for Egyptian-based manufacturers. Wafik said the company's current investments in Egypt total about €250 million, with annual exports of €60 million, adding that exports are expected to reach €120 million once a new €200 million plant in Ain Sokhna begins operations. He also praised the role of Egyptian trade offices, particularly in Algeria, in helping overcome export challenges and facilitating market access for Egyptian products. Saint-Gobain, a global leader in sustainable building materials, has been expanding its footprint in Egypt as part of efforts to make the country a key export hub for Africa and the Middle East. Attribution: Amwal Al Ghad English
