Monday, 25 May 2026
Egypt and China announce new phase of economic cooperation
Egypt and China are reinforcing their strong, comprehensive strategic partnership, marking a new phase of bilateral cooperation in industry, transport, and investment.
This came during a high-level meeting in Cairo between Kamel El-Wazir, Egypt’s Minister of Industry and Transport, Chinese Ambassador Liao Liqiang, and senior officials from both sides.
The discussions centered on the expansion of the “TEDA Chinese” industrial zone in the Suez Canal Economic Zone, a flagship project that has attracted over $3 billion in Chinese investments and hosts more than 200 companies, providing upwards of 70,000 direct and indirect jobs.
The two sides expressed a shared commitment to further expand these investments, particularly in high-tech, supporting industries, and low-emission “green” sectors, aiming to boost Egypt’s industrial competitiveness and export capacity to global markets.
Minister El-Wazir stressed Egypt’s dedication to creating a favorable business environment for Chinese investors and ensuring the sustainable growth of this partnership, describing China as a genuine friend with which Egypt is building long-term strategic ties.
A major breakthrough discussed was the ongoing unification of Egyptian and Chinese industrial standards. This step will streamline the flow of goods between the two countries, facilitate trade certification, and increase the competitiveness of Egyptian products—especially exports to Asian markets. The move also supports the growing presence of Chinese industry in Egypt.
The meeting also reviewed progress on the implementation of the third phase of Egypt’s Light Rail Transit (LRT) project, linking Cairo with the New Administrative Capital and extending to the highly populated and industrial city of 10th of Ramadan.
As Egypt rapidly develops its transport infrastructure, Chinese companies are playing a key partnership role, supplying technology, expertise, and investment. The two countries plan to begin construction of the project’s fourth phase simultaneously, further improving transport services for both industrial and residential areas.
Ambassador Liao highlighted the historic highs in bilateral relations, noting increased diplomatic exchanges, mutual participation in national events, and comprehensive cooperation in industry and transport.
Over the past 16 years, China has remained one of Egypt’s top trade and economic partners, he said, and is committed to deepening this relationship.
Among the new initiatives under discussion is a proposal to exempt Egyptian exports from customs duties in China, opening new opportunities for Egyptian producers in one of the world’s largest markets.
This comes alongside China’s ongoing economic governance and development initiatives, designed to foster global transparency, streamline trade, and promote international investment partnerships.
The Egyptian government invited Chinese officials and businesses to participate in the upcoming TransMEA Conference and Exhibition, set for November in Cairo, billed as a major platform for further industrial and investment collaboration.
This renewed momentum in Egypt-China relations signals a future of mutual growth, innovation, and shared prosperity—strengthening not only the two nations’ economies, but also contributing to international trade and development in the wider region.