Cairo: Egypt and China are strengthening their cooperation in the digital and industrial sectors as they approach the 70th anniversary of their diplomatic relations. Minister of Communications and Information Technology Amr Talaat announced the progress during a reception for China's 76th National Day, emphasizing the growing momentum in joint efforts across various technological fields.
According to State Information Service Egypt, the collaboration between the two nations now extends to fiber-optic and mobile phone manufacturing, cloud computing, AI language systems, and digital infrastructure. At the China-Africa Cooperation Forum held in Beijing in September 2024, Egypt signed five Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with China. These agreements include the establishment of three factories capable of producing 4 million kilometers of fiber-optic cables and telecom equipment, as well as the creation of a $300 million tech investment fund.
Talaat also highlighted China's plans to set up three outsourcing service centers in Egypt, which are expected to generate 800 jobs in fields such as chip design, software development, and green technology. Additionally, four training hubs will be established to enhance the skills of over 3,000 professionals. The China-Egypt TEDA Zone near the Suez Canal is a key area of economic integration, now hosting 185 companies with over $3 billion in Chinese investments, creating approximately 10,000 jobs. A recent agreement aims to expand this zone by 3 square kilometers to attract advanced industries, including new energy and materials.
The partnership between Egypt and China also encompasses significant infrastructure projects such as the business district in Egypt's New Administrative Capital, the Alamein towers, and the country's high-speed electric rail system. Talaat underscored the strategic partnership, which marks 11 years, and highlighted Egypt's role as the first Arab and African nation to recognize the People's Republic of China, reflecting a historical and civilizational bond between the two countries.
Chinese Ambassador to Egypt Liao Liqiang praised the current state of relations as a model of mutual benefit for China and other Arab, African, and developing nations. He noted that President Xi Jinping and President Abdel Fattah El Sisi met twice last year, agreeing on key areas for deepening bilateral cooperation.