We know that Egypt and China belong to the developing countries of the Global South, and this will strengthen the strategic partnership between them. This partnership has achieved unprecedented successes under the leadership of Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping. This partnership will witness even greater success over the next five years, in light of “China’s 15th Five-Year Plan” (2026-2030), serving as a model for cooperation among developing countries of the Global South, led and supported by China.
Here we find that the development of the Chinese economy opens up tremendous opportunities for Egypt and the countries of the Global South, represented by attracting Chinese investments, especially to Egypt as a vital gateway to Africa, the Middle East, and the world via the Suez Canal. This is particularly true in the smart infrastructure sectors and economic cooperation zones between Egypt and China, through the giant Chinese company TEDA in the western part of the Suez Canal. Furthermore, there are opportunities for transferring advanced technologies in the fields of renewable energy (solar and wind), digitalization, space, and localizing Chinese industries in Cairo, transforming Egypt into a regional manufacturing and export hub within the Belt and Road Initiative, with a focus on green and sustainable growth and Egypt’s leading role as a gateway for China to Africa and the Middle East.
– Key Opportunities and Prospects for Cooperation between Egypt and China to Serve the Global South:
1) The Belt and Road Initiative: Egypt occupies a pivotal position in this Chinese initiative, which enhances Chinese cooperation with Egypt in areas such as infrastructure development (high-speed rail and smart cities), ports, and special economic zones, like the giant Chinese company “TEDA.” This means deepening Sino-Egyptian cooperation within the framework of China’s Belt and Road Initiative, serving Egypt’s Vision 2030. Furthermore, China is keen to enhance connectivity between peoples, especially developing countries of the Global South, including Egypt, by supporting existing major projects and promoting smaller projects that contribute to greater prosperity for Egyptians and all developing nations, in accordance with the Chinese principle of mutual benefit and a shared future for mankind.
2) Strengthening industrial investment between Egypt and China: This involves localizing Chinese industries in Egypt, relocating Chinese factories to Egypt to avoid customs duties and serve regional markets, enhancing Egyptian-Chinese cooperation in vital sectors, and joint manufacturing in diverse sectors such as the electric vehicle market, equipment, and textiles.
3) Supporting Egyptian-Chinese cooperation in the energy and green technology sectors: China supports Egypt’s renewable energy policy with significant Chinese investments in solar and wind power and solar panel manufacturing to support Egypt’s transition to a low-carbon model. With Chinese support for Egypt’s digital transformation policy, cooperation has expanded in the fields of communications, information technology, artificial intelligence, and satellite development. Egypt has launched a satellite with Chinese assistance.
4) Cooperation between Egypt and China in infrastructure and smart cities: This includes the participation of Chinese companies in major projects such as the New Administrative Capital, New Alamein City, and the development of electricity networks and ports.
5) Development cooperation and partnerships: The first development cooperation strategy between Egypt and China was signed for the period 2025-2029, focusing on Egyptian priorities and industrial integration.
6) Egypt as a regional and international gateway for China: China is increasing its investments in Egypt to serve as a manufacturing and export platform to Africa and the Middle East, leveraging its strategic location via the Suez Canal.
7) Establishment of free economic zones: Beijing will promote the establishment of free trade zones and facilitate trade, digital finance, and trade in services in Egypt. China and Egypt can enhance cooperation and build projects in special industrial zones, supporting joint manufacturing and infrastructure development. Furthermore, China supports Egypt’s Decent Life initiative, launched by President “El-Sisi,” to strengthen cooperation with Egypt in various developmental areas.
Accordingly, we understand that China’s massive economy reinforces Egypt’s role as a key partner in sustainable development, achieving industrial integration, and localizing technology. This strengthens trade ties in the region and globally, serving the interests of developing countries in the Global South, given China’s leadership and responsibility as the world’s largest developing country.
