Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the move reflects Malaysia's effort to foster closer ties with Egypt through enhanced cooperation.
"Proton is more than just an automotive company; it is a symbol of Malaysia's pride and identity," Anwar said at the launch of Proton's CKD (completely knocked down) assembly plant in Egypt.
He emphasised that such joint ventures are crucial for advancing local industries and strengthening bilateral relations.
The new assembly plant in Giza, Egypt, is set to produce 16,000 units of the Proton Saga from 2023 through 2026, with an estimated investment of RM570 million.
Proton Chairman Tan Sri Syed Faisal Albar noted that expanding into new markets is key to the brand's continued growth.
“Our export sales have been growing steadily year on year,” Albar said. “In the medium term, we plan to make Egypt a major hub for Proton in the region.”
The Giza plant will also be the first international facility to assemble Proton's left-hand drive models, which are intended for markets across the Middle East and North Africa.
“We see Egypt as a strategic gateway to neighboring markets, and this facility will help drive Proton's expansion further,” Albar added.
The event was attended by Egypt’s Deputy Prime Minister for Industrial Development and Minister of Transport and Industry, Kamel Al-Wazir, and Hisham Ezz Elarab, Chairman of Ezz Elarab Elsewedy Industrial Investments.
