Wednesday, 27 May 2026
Egypt and China deepen economic ties during high-level talks in Beijing
Egyptian Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade, Hassan El Khatib, met with Chinese Minister of Commerce, Wang Wentao, during an official visit to China to discuss ways of further strengthening economic and trade relations between the two nations.
Both ministers emphasized the deep and longstanding ties that have been elevated to the level of a "comprehensive partnership" for over a decade.
Minister El Khatib expressed Egypt’s anticipation for the upcoming visit of China’s Premier to Egypt next month, viewing it as an opportunity to translate bilateral agreements into tangible projects and investments.
Minister El Khatib highlighted the great importance his country places on collaborating with China across multiple sectors, especially through joint investments in light of ongoing global economic fluctuations. He showcased Egypt’s competitive advantages, including its strategic geographic position and its numerous trade agreements with economic blocs, making Egypt an ideal hub for production and export. El Khatib encouraged Chinese companies to establish manufacturing centers in Egypt, which would allow them access to both regional and global markets.
He further reiterated Egypt’s commitment to improving the investment climate and enhancing the competitiveness of its economy, aiming for higher rankings in global trade competitiveness indices. He also stressed Egypt’s continued adherence to World Trade Organization rules, particularly in the area of trade remedies.
During the meeting, El Khatib reviewed the outcomes of the 9th session of the Egypt-China Joint Committee, held in December, and proposed that the 10th session take place in Egypt later this year. He underscored the mutual goal of expanding the trade volume to truly reflect the depth of the countries’ economic ties.
Egypt is strengthening its economic partnership with China, aiming to elevate China from its current position as the tenth-largest investor to one of the top five in Egypt. More than 3,000 Chinese companies currently operate in Egypt, investing over $1.2 billion.
The government is making it easier for Chinese businesses to invest, including allowing company registration and transactions in the Chinese yuan. Egypt also offers 100% foreign ownership and equal treatment for international investors. Major Chinese firms like Haier and Midea have already benefited from fast-track “Golden Licenses” for their projects.
Chinese Minister of Commerce Wang Wentao commended the strong commercial relationship, noting that bilateral trade had reached $17 billion, consolidating China’s status as Egypt’s largest trading partner. He highlighted successful Chinese investments in Egypt’s TEDA zone, as well as major projects such as the Iconic Tower, the Central Business District in the New Administrative Capital, the electric train initiative, and renewable energy projects—many of them carried out by Chinese firms.
Looking to the future, Wang Wentao expressed China’s desire to further cooperation in e-commerce, infrastructure, and renewable energy, and recognized Egypt’s efforts to support Chinese investments.
The two sides agreed to bolster cooperation in fields including electric vehicles, electronic industries, water desalination, solar panel production, and artificial intelligence. Both ministers also pledged to organize a forum to promote investment opportunities in Egypt, and to deepen collaboration in supply chain management and related sectors.