Monday, 25 May 2026
Egypt highlights Belt and Road’s role in economic growth at World Economic Forum in China
Tianjin, China – Egypt’s Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation, Dr. Rania Al-Mashat, participated in a high-level panel on the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) during the World Economic Forum’s annual meetings, held in Tianjin from June 23–26, 2025.
The session, titled “Where is the Belt and Road Initiative in 2025?”, convened global policymakers, business leaders, and entrepreneurs from over 90 countries to address the challenges and opportunities of sustainable economic policy amid global change.
Dr. Al-Mashat emphasized that the Belt and Road Initiative continues to serve as a powerful catalyst for economic integration and development among its participating countries. She noted that the BRI’s core aims—developing sustainable infrastructure, boosting investment, and fostering connectivity—closely align with Egypt’s own national priorities, particularly in areas such as transportation and renewable energy.
Highlighting tangible achievements, Dr. Al-Mashat pointed to the growing presence of over 150 Chinese companies now operating in Egypt’s Chinese industrial zone, providing more than 10,000 jobs across diverse sectors. She reaffirmed Egypt’s commitment to creating a welcoming environment for international investors.
Reflecting on broader global dynamics, Dr. Al-Mashat urged countries to embrace multilateral cooperation to address shared development challenges, especially in the face of geopolitical tensions. She stressed that major initiatives like the BRI offer a flexible framework that supports each country’s unique infrastructure and investment needs, rather than imposing a one-size-fits-all plan.
The Minister also touched on the importance of development finance, encouraging innovative solutions to mobilize private sector resources and reduce dependency on debt in funding critical projects. She pointed to Egypt’s extensive experience with low-cost development financing, particularly in sustainable transport and energy.
She praised the deepening partnership between Egypt and China, which has flourished since the landmark visit by China’s president in 2014 and has since expanded into investment, technology, and capacity-building. She cited ongoing cooperation in areas ranging from healthcare to satellite development, and underscored the role of Chinese agencies like CIDCA in supporting Egypt’s sustainable growth agenda.
Her remarks echo the growing international recognition that economic initiatives are most effective when tailored to countries’ specific circumstances and when forged through partnership and shared vision.