French companies interested in Egypt, undeterred by attacks: Business delegation

French companies are showing a growing interest in investing in Egypt in spite of security issues, the head of a French business delegation told Ahram Online in Cairo on Tuesday.

"There is clear leadership and direction" evident in the government of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi which has triggered optimism among investors, said Patrick Lucas, Head of the Delegation and Chairman of insurance broker Gras Savoye.

Lucas heads a delegation of some thirty French firms, half of which already have investments in the country, according to Lucas.

There are some 150 French companies currently operating in Egypt, pointed out France's Ambassador to Egypt Andre Parant, namely Total and GDF in the oil and gas sector, retail giant Carrefour and L'Oreal, among others.

French investments in Egypt reached $6.7 billion in December 2014, announced International Cooperation Minister Naglaa El-Ahwani at the time.