Dr. Mohamed Farid Saleh:
- We are committed to supporting serious investments and fostering a competitive, investor-friendly business environment.
- Expanding specialized investment zones is a key pillar for accelerating project implementation and deepening local industrialization;
- We stand ready to provide full support and streamline procedures, including the allocation of sites with access to natural water resources.
AJE Group Delegation:
- We aim to scale up our investments in Egypt from USD 60 million to USD 150 million by 2030.
- We are planning to launch a water production and bottling facility with initial investments of USD 20 million.
- We value MIFT’s responsiveness to our needs and its cooperation in creating the right conditions to support the success of our expansion plans.
In line with the State’s directives to enhance foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows, localize industry, and foster a business environment that is both attractive and enabling, Dr. Mohamed Farid Saleh, Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade (MIFT Minister), held a meeting with senior executives of AJE Group, in the presence of H.E. Ambassador Miguel Ángel Villa, Peru’s Ambassador to Egypt. The meeting explored the Group’s plans to expand in the Egyptian market during the coming phase through the establishment of a new investment zone.
The Group’s delegation included Juan Malpartida, Vice Chairman; Mr. José Ross, Regional Director for Egypt; Mr. Joaquín de la Cuadra, Global Tax Manager; Mr. Mahmoud Hassanein, Administrative and HR Director; and Mr. Omar Diwan, Supply Chain Director.
MIFT Minister underscored that MIFT places particular emphasis on attracting high-quality investments in productive sectors—foremost among them food and beverage industries—as a means of deepening local manufacturing, increasing local content ratios, and maximizing value added, while also supporting export-oriented strategies and opening up new markets for the Egyptian products.
He added that increasing the number of established investment zones – by providing integrated infrastructure and advanced logistics services that help accelerate project implementation and enhance operational efficiency – constitutes a central pillar in strengthening the business environment.
On the other hand, AJE Group executives reviewed the Group’s evolution stating that the Group was founded in 1988 to operate in more than 20 countries and to manage a portfolio of around 10 global beverage brands. They noted the Group’s recent entry into the Egyptian market, where its current investments are estimated at approximately USD 60 million.
They further indicated that the Group’s expansion strategy aims to scale investments to USD 150 million by 2030. This strategy is built around four core segments—hydration products, water, energy drinks, and carbonated beverages—under a range of brands, including Big Cola, Volt, and Cielo.
The Group’s plan also includes the establishment of a fully integrated facility for the production, treatment, and bottling of water, spanning approximately 50,000 square meters, with initial investments estimated at around USD 20 million, the delegation executives added.
In this context, the executives expressed their interest in establishing a fully integrated investment zone. They also said they are looking for a suitable site for their future projects – a site that has access to a natural water source (wells) to support their expansion plans in water and beverage production.
MIFT Minister welcomed the Group’s expansion plans, reaffirming MIFT’s commitment to providing all necessary support to investors and to addressing any challenges they may encounter, in coordination with the relevant authorities.
He also indicated MIFT readiness to facilitate procedures related to the establishment of the investment zone, as well as to assist in identifying suitable locations equipped with the necessary project fundamentals, including access to natural water resources.
MIFT Minister further stressed the importance of expediting implementation steps and maintaining close coordination with the competent authorities to ensure the swift execution of new investments and to maximize the benefits of the promising opportunities available in the Egyptian market.
This meeting comes within the framework of the State’s strategy to strengthen the role of the private sector and increase its contribution to economic activity, by attracting FDI, localizing various industries, and fostering a more competitive and stable business environment.
AJE Group is a leading global player in the beverage industry. Founded in 1988, the Group has successfully expanded its operations to more than 20 countries across Latin America, Asia, and Africa. Its portfolio includes around 10 global brands—such as Big Cola, Volt, and Cielo—covering a wide range of products, including carbonated drinks, energy beverages, water, and hydration products.
