Sisi, Xi agree to launch third phase of Egypt-China industrial zone

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and Chinese President Xi Jinping agreed to launch the third phase of the Egypt-China industrial zone in the Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCZONE), Egypt’s presidency said on Wednesday.

The expansion will focus on sectors including renewable energy, automotive manufacturing, textiles, and chemical fibres, Sisi said during talks with Xi in Cairo.

The agreement comes as the two countries mark 70 years of diplomatic relations. Egypt established diplomatic ties with the People’s Republic of China in 1956 and upgraded relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership in 2014.

Sisi said Egypt and China had made significant progress in bilateral relations and stressed the importance of localising industry and transferring technology, which he described as priorities for both countries.

“Egypt-China relations have made significant strides across various fields, underpinned by a clear political commitment to deepen bilateral cooperation, particularly in localising industry and transferring technology,” Sisi said. “These are priorities for both countries, and we look forward to continuing work with China to deliver further fruitful results.”

Xi thanked Sisi for the welcome and said China valued its growing cooperation with Egypt, according to Egyptian presidential spokesman Mohamed El-Shenawy.

China is committed to implementing the comprehensive strategic partnership agreed in 2014 and further broadening bilateral ties, Xi said.

He also said China would encourage its companies to increase investment in Egypt and make use of the country’s market and strategic location, the spokesman said.

China will continue to provide expertise and technical cooperation in infrastructure, energy, manufacturing, and agriculture, Xi said.

The two presidents also agreed to strengthen bilateral relations and intensify consultations on issues of common interest.

During Xi’s visit, Egypt and China signed an agreement and several memoranda of understanding between government bodies and institutions from the two countries, the spokesman said.