EGYPT: Coca-Cola shuts Cairo operations, blames deteriorating security situation
Atlanta-based Coca-Cola Co. announced Monday that it has shut its Cairo office because of the deteriorating security situation in Egypt after a week of anti-government protests.
The world's largest soft-drink maker won't resume operations in Egypt until the security situation improves, Coca-Cola spokesman Kenth Kaerhoeg said in a statement.
Coke's cessation of operations followed decisions by numerous other international companies to halt deliveries, shut plants or suspend services amid the disruptions caused by demonstrators demanding the resignation of President Hosni Mubarak.
German carmakers Volkswagen and Daimler and Japan's Nissan Motor Co. have held up deliveries and production at their factories in the country.
Foreign airlines serving Cairo, Alexandria and other major Egyptian cities have either suspended service to the restive country or drastically revised flight schedules to operate within the narrowing window left by an expanding curfew. The government has imposed a 3 p.m.-to-8 a.m. order against people or traffic on the streets.
The business disruptions are expected to worsen Tuesday, when protesters plan a million-man show of force behind their calls for Mubarak's ouster.
Foreign telecommunications companies stepping in to connect protesters to Internet
Egypt's police return; foreigners try to evacuate
-- Carol J. Williams
Photo: Coca Cola bottles are shown on the shelf of a New York store in 2006. Credit: Andrew Harrer / Bloomberg News.
I didn't drink any coca-cola in Cairo but I did drink some of the excellent dark beer! I stayed in one of the top hotels on the Nile and from the top floor you could see the pyramids. There was a police station right in the hotel and a bank. There was a security officer on every floor and I felt safe. We walked around the city near the hotels on the Nile but took taxis to other locations during the day. At the time of my stay there were mostly Saudis in my hotel who seemed courteous and somewhat bemused by my presence in casual western clothing. It was obvious one could be quickly in a precarious position but there were police on most every corner and they were well armed. It was expensive but I would visit Cairo again. There was an English newspaper which included news of government affairs and President Mubarak who was regarded as quite competent.
Posted by: Donald Duck | January 31, 2011 at 12:27 PM