Monday, 25 May 2026
Egypt and China strengthen industrial and transport cooperation
Egyptian Minister of Industry and Transport, Kamel Al-Wazir, met with Chinese Ambassador to Cairo, Liao Liqiang, and his accompanying delegation to discuss ongoing and future cooperation in joint projects within the transport and industry sectors.
The meeting, aimed at bolstering the industrial and investment partnership between Egypt and China.
Minister Al-Wazir expressed pride in the deep and robust ties between Egypt and China across various levels, emphasizing the strategic partnership and Egypt’s keen interest in expanding Chinese industrial presence in the country.
He highlighted the constructive collaboration with the Chinese government and companies in executing numerous joint projects, particularly in rail and maritime transport, as well as the establishment and operation of diverse specialized factories in Egypt, contributing to economic development and enhancing the competitiveness of Egyptian industries.
The Chinese delegation expressed interest in expanding the land allocated for the TEDA China project in the Suez Canal Economic Zone, driven by significant growth in Chinese investments in the area. The zone hosts over 200 Chinese companies with investments exceeding $3 billion, providing more than 70,000 direct and indirect job opportunities.
Al-Wazir affirmed Egypt’s commitment to attracting and encouraging Chinese investments in the Suez Canal Economic Zone, fostering a conducive environment for sustainable growth.
He emphasized coordination with the Chinese side to invest in promising industries, including advanced technology, complementary and feeder industries, and low-emission green industries, to boost Egypt’s economic competitiveness, increase the added value of local products, and expand exports to global markets.
The meeting also addressed efforts to align Egyptian and Chinese industrial product standards. The Egyptian Organization for Standards and Quality conducted a comprehensive study to resolve discrepancies in manufacturing and quality requirements, ensuring smoother trade flows, streamlined certification processes, and enhanced trade and industrial efficiency. Al-Wazir noted that standardizing specifications is a strategic step to strengthen the competitiveness of Egyptian products, expand export opportunities to Asian markets, and support Chinese industrial investments in Egypt.
In the transport sector, discussions covered the progress of the third phase of the Light Rail Transit (LRT) project. Al-Wazir confirmed that Egyptian national companies are nearing completion of the infrastructure, with track installation underway. He stressed the need for swift delivery of electromechanical systems and skilled labor to finalize installations and testing. The technical rooms in the stations are ready for control and electromechanical systems, and this phase will serve the New Administrative Capital, facilitating citizen and student mobility. The minister also highlighted the importance of the fourth phase of the LRT, extending from New Obour to 10th of Ramadan City, which will serve high-density populations and the industrial zone in the region, with work to commence concurrently with the third phase.
Ambassador Liao said that Egypt-China relations are at a historic peak, marked by frequent high-level visits and mutual participation in national events, reflecting deep strategic ties and mutual trust.
He underscored China’s position as one of Egypt’s largest economic partners for over 16 years, with growing bilateral cooperation, particularly in industry and transport, and reaffirmed China’s commitment to further strengthening this partnership.
Al-Wazir invited the Chinese Ambassador to attend the TRANMEA Smart Transport, Logistics, and Industry Exhibition and Conference, scheduled for November 9-11, which will feature significant participation from Egyptian and Chinese companies, enhancing industrial and investment cooperation and highlighting Egypt’s role as a regional hub for industry, transport, logistics, and transit trade.