The Anticipated Visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping to Egypt
Diplomatic Relations
May 30, 1956 — Establishment of Official Diplomatic Relations
The two countries signed the Statement on the Establishment of Official Diplomatic Relations at the ambassadorial level, making Egypt the first Arab and African country to establish diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic of China.
Agricultural Cooperation
May 20, 1988 — Memorandum of Understanding on Agricultural Cooperation
Egypt and China signed the Egyptian-Chinese Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in the Agricultural Sector.
Electricity Cooperation
April 18, 1992 — Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in the Electricity Sector
The two sides signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in the Electricity Sector.
Strategic Cooperation
April 5, 1996 — Joint Statement on Establishing Strategic Cooperation Relations
The two countries signed the Joint Statement on Establishing Strategic Cooperation Relations, marking an important step in the development of bilateral ties.
Economic and Trade Cooperation
April 1999 — Joint Statement on Strategic Cooperation
During the visit of then-President Hosni Mubarak to Beijing, Egypt and China issued a joint statement aimed at further advancing strategic cooperation and strengthening economic and trade relations between the two countries.
Economic and Technical Cooperation
November 23, 2002 — Economic and Technical Cooperation Agreement
The two countries signed an Economic and Technical Cooperation Agreement in Beijing.
Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy
January 2006 — Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in the Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy
Egypt and China signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in the Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy.
Economic and Technical Cooperation
October 16, 2012 — Agreement Supporting Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises
The two sides signed an Economic and Technical Cooperation Agreement to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
Comprehensive Strategic Partnership
December 23, 2014 — Establishment of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership
During President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi’s visit to Beijing, Presidents Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and Xi Jinping agreed to elevate bilateral relations to the level of a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. The two presidents signed the **Joint Statement on the Establishment of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the Arab Republic of Egypt and the People’s Republic of China** and witnessed the signing of a number of agreements covering the economy, trade, energy, space, and other areas of cooperation.
The document has served as the highest-level political framework governing Egyptian-Chinese relations since 2014, providing the foundation for subsequent implementation programs, joint committees, and major cooperation projects.
Energy and Electricity
December 23, 2014 — Memorandum of Understanding on Electricity Sector Development
The memorandum aimed to improve efficiency and modernize Egypt’s national electricity grid.
December 23, 2014 — Memorandum of Understanding on the Establishment of Coal-Fired Power Plants
The memorandum aimed to draw on Chinese technical expertise and financing to support the construction of clean-coal power plants, including proposed projects in Oyoun Moussa and Safaga.
Renewable Energy and Scientific Research
December 23, 2014 — Memorandum of Understanding on Establishing a Joint Renewable Energy Laboratory
The memorandum was signed between Egypt’s Ministry of Scientific Research and China’s Ministry of Science and Technology to facilitate research exchanges and establish a joint laboratory for solar and renewable energy in Egypt.
Space and Technology
December 23, 2014 — Space Cooperation Agreement
The agreement was signed between Egypt’s National Authority for Remote Sensing and Space Sciences (NARSS) and the China National Space Administration (CNSA) to strengthen cooperation on space projects, satellite technology, and satellite manufacturing.
Telecommunications and Technology
December 23, 2014 — Framework Agreements with Chinese Technology Companies
The agreements included cooperation with major Chinese technology companies, including Huawei, to develop telecommunications infrastructure and facilitate the transfer of advanced technologies to Egypt.
Transport and Infrastructure
December 23, 2014 — Memorandum of Understanding on Developing Transport and Railway Networks
The memorandum aimed to explore the participation of Chinese companies in electric rail and high-speed railway projects in Egypt.
Ports and Logistics
December 23, 2014 — Agreements on Port and Logistics Zone Development
The agreements aimed to strengthen cooperation in maritime transport, ports, logistics, and shipbuilding in line with Egypt’s plans to develop the Suez Canal region.
Economic and Technical Cooperation
December 23, 2014 — Economic and Technical Cooperation Agreements
The agreements provided for Chinese grants and concessional financing to support development projects and bilateral economic cooperation.
Medical Cooperation
December 23, 2014 — Memoranda of Understanding on Medical Equipment
The memoranda covered the supply and modernization of medical equipment and devices for Egyptian hospitals.
Environment
December 23, 2014 — Memorandum of Understanding on Environmental Cooperation
The memorandum aimed to facilitate the exchange of expertise in addressing climate change, environmental protection, and pollution reduction.
Education and Culture
December 23, 2014 — Educational Cooperation Agreements
The agreements aimed to promote cultural exchanges, technical and vocational education, academic cooperation, and scholarships between Egyptian and Chinese universities.
Civil Aviation
December 23, 2014 — Memorandum of Understanding on Civil Aviation
The memorandum aimed to strengthen air connectivity and facilitate the expansion of air services between the two countries in support of tourism and bilateral exchanges.
Strategic Partnership
January 2016 — Five-Year Executive Program (2016–2021)
The two sides signed a five-year executive program aimed at strengthening and consolidating the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and providing a framework for bilateral cooperation over the 2016–2021 period.
Belt and Road Initiative
January 2016 — Memorandum of Understanding on Belt and Road Cooperation
The two sides signed a memorandum of understanding to strengthen cooperation within the framework of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and promote alignment between the initiative and Egypt’s national development priorities.
Development Cooperation
January 2016 — Development Grant (2016–2018)
A Memorandum of Understanding provided for a Chinese grant to support development projects in Egypt during the 2016–2018 period.
Transport
January 2016 — Light Rail Transit (LRT) Framework Agreement
A framework agreement was signed for the construction of an electric passenger railway linking Salam City, 10th of Ramadan City, and the New Capital.
Railways
January 2016 — Freight Railway and Passenger Carriage Agreements
Agreements were signed covering a freight railway line between Belbeis and Robeiky, as well as cooperation on the production and supply of passenger railway carriages.
Port Development
January 2016 — Alexandria Port Development Agreement
A framework agreement was signed for the development of berths at Alexandria Port.
Electricity
January 2016 — Development of the National Electricity Grid
An agreement and implementation contract were signed to modernize and upgrade Egypt’s electricity transmission network.
Renewable Energy
January 2016 — Jabal Ataqa Pumped-Storage Power Plant Agreement
A preliminary agreement was signed to establish a 2,100-megawatt pumped-storage hydropower plant at Jabal Ataqa, with an estimated investment of $2.3 billion.
Energy
January 2016 — Hamrawein Power Plant Agreement
A conditional contract was signed for the proposed construction of a major clean-coal-fired power plant in Hamrawein.
Banking and Finance
January 2016 — Central Bank of Egypt Financing Agreement
An agreement was signed for $1 billion in financing from the China Development Bank to support the foreign exchange reserves of the Central Bank of Egypt.
January 2016 — National Bank of Egypt Financing Agreement
A $700 million loan agreement was signed with the China Development Bank to support the financing of development and energy projects in Egypt.
New Capital
January 2016 — Development Agreements with Chinese Construction Companies
Four conditional agreements were signed with Chinese construction companies, including China State Construction Engineering Corporation (CSCEC), concerning major development projects in the New Capital. Chinese cooperation subsequently became particularly prominent through the implementation of the Central Business District (CBD), which includes the Iconic Tower.
Rural Development
January 2016 — Rural Wastewater Treatment Memorandum of Understanding
A Memorandum of Understanding was signed to support Egypt’s national rural wastewater treatment program, covering hundreds of villages across Upper and Lower Egypt, with an estimated value of $3 billion.
Civil Aviation
January 2016 — Civil Aviation Memorandum
An agreement was signed to strengthen cooperation in air transport and expand air connectivity between the two countries.
Environment and Climate
January 2016 — Environmental Grant Memorandum of Understanding
A Memorandum of Understanding provided for a Chinese grant in the form of equipment and supplies to Egypt’s Ministry of Environment to support efforts to address climate change.
Science and Technology
January 2016 — Science and Technology Cooperation Agreement
An agreement was signed to strengthen cooperation in science and technology, scientific research, technological development, and academic exchanges.
Culture
January 2016 — Launch of the “Egypt-China Cultural Year 2016”
Presidents Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and Xi Jinping agreed to designate 2016 as the Egypt-China Cultural Year, marking the first time China had organized a cultural year jointly with an Arab or African country.
The initiative resulted in the organization of more than 100 cultural and artistic events throughout the year across 25 Chinese provinces and a number of Egyptian governorates, featuring music, opera, folk arts, cinema, and other cultural activities.
The activities were officially launched with a major joint opening ceremony in Luxor attended by the presidents of the two countries.
Cultural Heritage
January 2016 — Agreement on the Protection and Recovery of Cultural Property
The governments of Egypt and China signed a landmark bilateral agreement on the protection and recovery of stolen cultural property illegally removed from its country of origin.
The agreement aimed to coordinate the efforts of the two ancient civilizations in combating the illicit trafficking of antiquities and facilitate the exchange of legal and security information to support the recovery of smuggled archaeological artifacts.
Museum Cooperation
January 2016 — Egyptian Museum–Shanghai Museum Twinning Agreement
A memorandum of cooperation and scientific and technical coordination was signed between the Egyptian Museum in Cairo and the Shanghai Museum to promote the exchange of expertise in restoration, antiquities conservation, and joint exhibitions.
City Twinning
January 2016 — Cairo–Shanghai Twinning Agreement
An agreement was signed to establish a twinning partnership between Cairo and Shanghai, one of China’s leading economic and cultural centers, with the aim of promoting people-to-people, cultural, and tourism exchanges.
Media Cooperation
January 2016 — Media Content Exchange Memoranda
Memoranda of Understanding were signed between Egyptian media institutions, including the then Egyptian Radio and Television Union, and Chinese media organizations, including China Central Television (CCTV), to strengthen cooperation and content exchange.
Media and Cultural Exchange
January 2016 — Dubbing and Translation Cooperation
The two sides agreed to translate and dub Chinese television series, films, and documentaries into Arabic for broadcast in Egypt, while Egyptian cultural and tourism content would be showcased through Chinese media outlets to promote greater mutual understanding between the two peoples.
Journalistic Cooperation
January 2016 — Exchange of Journalists and Media Professionals
The two sides agreed to intensify exchanges of journalists and media professionals, including opportunities to cover development projects and cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative.
Science and Technology
March 27, 2016 — Memorandum of Understanding with China’s Ministry of Science and Technology
The memorandum aimed to facilitate exchanges of researchers, promote technology transfer, and support financing for joint applied research projects.
Education and Research
March 27, 2016 — Scholarship and Research Exchange Program
China agreed to provide 500 scholarships and research grants for young Egyptian researchers in advanced technology, engineering, and the natural and exact sciences.
Currency and Banking
December 2016 — Currency Swap Agreement
The Central Bank of Egypt signed a currency swap agreement with China worth 18 billion Chinese yuan, equivalent at the time to approximately $2.6 billion, against the Egyptian pound for a three-year period.
The agreement aimed to facilitate bilateral trade and reduce reliance on the US dollar in commercial transactions.
Transport
2017 — LRT Financing Agreement
A Memorandum of Understanding and a $739 million financing agreement were signed as part of the first phase of concessional Chinese financing for the implementation of the Light Rail Transit (LRT) project linking Greater Cairo with the New Capital and 10th of Ramadan City.
Railways
2017 — Light Rail Network Agreement
An agreement was signed involving a consortium of major Chinese companies, including China Railway, covering engineering planning and the supply of railway rolling stock and related equipment.
Security Cooperation
2017 — Joint Security Cooperation Agreement
Presidents Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and Xi Jinping witnessed the signing of a strategic security cooperation agreement between Egypt’s Ministry of Interior and China’s Ministry of Public Security.
The agreement focused on combating terrorism and transnational organized crime, exchanging relevant information and expertise, and strengthening the security of major Chinese investments and companies operating in Egypt.
Economic and Technical Cooperation
September 5, 2017 — Economic and Technical Cooperation Agreement
Egypt’s Minister of Investment and International Cooperation and China’s Minister of Commerce signed an agreement providing financial and technical assistance and grants to support Egypt’s economic and social development plans.
Space Technology
September 2017 — EgyptSat-2 Satellite Grant Agreement
Under agreements signed in September 2017, China agreed to provide a $45 million non-reimbursable grant for the construction and manufacture of the EgyptSat-2 remote-sensing satellite in cooperation with Egyptian researchers.
Banking and Finance
2017 — Joint Banking Financing Packages
A number of Egyptian banks, led by the National Bank of Egypt and Banque Misr, signed loan and credit facility agreements with Chinese financial institutions, including the China Development Bank and the Export-Import Bank of China, to support energy, infrastructure, and development projects in Egypt.
Exports and Private Sector
August 2017 — Export Contract Package
Following the organization of the “Export to China” event in August 2017, Egyptian companies signed 17 export contracts worth approximately $168 million with Chinese companies and importers to supply Egyptian agricultural and other products to the Chinese market.
Development Grants
September 1, 2018 — Economic and Technical Cooperation Agreement
An agreement was signed in Beijing providing a non-reimbursable Chinese grant of 100 million Chinese yuan (RMB) to finance and implement development and social projects to be jointly agreed upon by the two sides. The agreement was subsequently approved by Presidential Decree No. 498 of 2018.
Housing and Construction
2018 — Second Phase of the Central Business District
A final contract was signed with China State Construction Engineering Corporation (CSCEC) for the implementation of the second phase of the Central Business District (CBD) in the New Capital, comprising administrative and commercial buildings surrounding the tower district.
Sports Infrastructure
March 2018 — Sports Facilities in Sharm El-Sheikh, Hurghada, and Luxor
A Memorandum of Understanding was signed with CSCEC for the design and construction of three indoor sports halls in Sharm El-Sheikh, Hurghada, and Luxor in preparation for Egypt’s hosting of the 2021 World Men’s Handball Championship.
Electricity and Energy
2018 — Hamrawein Clean-Coal Power Plant
A final contract was signed with a Chinese consortium for the planned construction of a major power plant at Hamrawein on the Red Sea coast using clean-coal technology.
Renewable Energy
2018 — Jabal Ataqa Pumped-Storage Hydropower Project
An implementation contract was signed for the Jabal Ataqa pumped-storage hydropower project, designed to enhance the stability and efficiency of the national electricity grid during periods of peak demand.
Industrial Development
2018 — Shandong Ruyi Textile Group Project
A contract was signed for the establishment of an integrated industrial zone for textile and fabric manufacturing in Egypt with substantial Chinese investment.
Suez Canal Economic Zone
2018 — TEDA Suez Industrial Project
Agreements were signed to expand and develop the second phase of the Egyptian-Chinese TEDA Suez industrial zone in Ain Sokhna, including the establishment of new factories producing fiber-optic cables and electrical equipment.
Industrial Development
May 2018 — New Alamein Industrial Zone
A Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the New Urban Communities Authority and China’s CGCOC Group to establish an advanced industrial zone in New Alamein City.
Archaeological Cooperation
November 2018 — Temple of Montu Cooperation Protocol
A cooperation protocol was signed, and the first Chinese archaeological mission specializing in Egypt officially began joint excavation and restoration work at the Temple of Montu in Luxor.
Economic and Technical Cooperation
November 23, 2019 — Framework Financial Agreement
The Chinese government provided a new non-reimbursable grant to the Egyptian government to finance and implement major joint development projects to be agreed upon by the two countries at a later stage. The agreement was approved under Presidential Decree No. 29 of 2020.
Space Technology
2019 — EgyptSat-2 Implementation Agreement
Documents were signed to begin the implementation and assembly of the EgyptSat-2 remote-sensing satellite through cooperation between the Egyptian Space Agency and the Chinese side.
Under the agreement, Chinese experts would transfer advanced space technology and provide practical training to Egyptian engineers in satellite assembly and testing at Egypt’s Assembly, Integration and Testing (AIT) Center.
Agricultural Trade
September 2019 — Agreement on Egyptian Date Exports to China
An agreement was concluded with China’s General Administration of Customs to facilitate the export of Egyptian fresh dates and date products to the Chinese market.
Education and Digital Development
2019 — Distance Learning Development Agreement
An agreement was signed to allocate approximately 79 million Chinese yuan from existing grant funds to finance the development and modernization of Egypt’s distance learning system, including the implementation of a third phase in Egyptian schools using advanced Chinese technology in education and telecommunications.
Development Financing
July 2020 — Economic and Technical Cooperation Agreement
President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi approved the agreement under Presidential Decree No. 104 of 2020, which was published in the Official Gazette on July 9, 2020.
Under the agreement, the Chinese government provided Egypt with a non-reimbursable grant of 300 million Chinese yuan for priority joint development projects, including initiatives related to digital transformation and social development.
Public Health
2020 — Medical Supplies and Equipment Agreement
An implementation agreement was signed for the provision of medical supplies, ventilators, face masks, and laboratory testing kits from China to Egypt’s Ministry of Health during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Vaccine Manufacturing
Late 2020 — Memorandum of Understanding on Vaccine Production
Egyptian and Chinese institutions, including VACSERA and Sinopharm, established a framework for transferring vaccine manufacturing technology and producing vaccines locally in Egypt.
Space Technology
2020 — Addendum to the Satellite Assembly, Integration and Testing Center Agreement
Letters were exchanged to amend and facilitate the implementation of the grant supporting the establishment of a Satellite Assembly, Integration and Testing Center in Egypt’s Space City.
Industrial Development
2020 — Development of the Second Phase of TEDA Suez
The Suez Canal Economic Zone signed agreements and contracts aimed at attracting additional Chinese investment in sectors including textiles, ready-made garments, and home appliances.
Governmental Cooperation
July 2021 — Agreement Establishing the Joint Governmental Cooperation Committee
An agreement was signed in Cairo during Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s visit establishing a high-level joint governmental cooperation committee co-chaired by the foreign ministers of the two countries.
Health and Vaccine Manufacturing
April 2021 — COVID-19 Vaccine Technology Transfer Agreement
An agreement was signed to localize COVID-19 vaccine manufacturing technology at Egyptian production facilities.
April 2021 — Vaccine Manufacturing and Distribution Agreement
Egypt obtained a license for local vaccine production, together with arrangements supporting domestic distribution and exports to African markets.
New Alamein City
February–June 2021 — New Alamein Towers Complex Agreement
An agreement and implementation contract were signed between the New Urban Communities Authority and China State Construction Engineering Corporation (CSCEC).
The Chinese company was tasked with designing and constructing five high-rise residential and hotel towers in New Alamein City, reaching heights of up to 250 meters, with a contract value of approximately $2.065 billion. Implementation began in June 2021.
Transport and Railways
2021 — Preparations for LRT Operation
Supplementary memoranda and technical agreements were signed to support trial operations and the supply of trains and electromechanical components for the Salam–10th of Ramadan–New Capital LRT project.
Agricultural Trade
January 2021 — Agreement to Facilitate Citrus Exports
Arrangements were concluded with China’s General Administration of Customs to facilitate the continued export of Egyptian citrus fruits, including oranges and lemons, to the Chinese market.
Defense and Military Cooperation
November 2021 — EDEX 2021 Agreements
During the Egypt Defence Expo (EDEX 2021) in Cairo, cooperation protocols and technical memoranda of understanding were signed between Egyptian and Chinese entities to support cooperation in defense technologies, equipment, and joint manufacturing.
Economic and Trade Cooperation
February 2022 — Agreement on Enhancing Economic and Trade Cooperation
Signed during the presidential summit in Beijing, the agreement aimed to accelerate the implementation of Chinese projects in Egypt and facilitate greater access for Egyptian agricultural and industrial exports to the Chinese market.
Ports and Logistics
March 2022 — Sokhna Port Container Terminal Agreement
The Suez Canal Economic Zone signed a framework agreement with a consortium involving global port operator Hutchison Ports and Chinese shipping company COSCO.
The agreement provided for the construction, development, and operation of a new container terminal at Sokhna Port, with investments exceeding $600 million.
Clean Energy and Green Hydrogen
December 2022 — Green Hydrogen Memorandum of Understanding
The Egyptian government, represented by the Suez Canal Economic Zone and the Sovereign Fund of Egypt, signed a Memorandum of Understanding with China Energy.
The proposed project envisaged the establishment of a major green hydrogen and green ammonia complex in the economic zone, with estimated investments of up to $5.1 billion.
Digital Transformation
2022 — Cloud Data Center Memorandum of Understanding
Egypt’s Ministry of Communications and Information Technology signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Huawei to expand cooperation in cloud computing and smart data centers in support of Egypt’s digital transformation efforts.
Green Financing
Late 2022 — Panda Bonds Framework
Egypt’s Ministry of Finance began coordination with relevant financial institutions, including Chinese banks and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), in preparation for issuing yuan-denominated Panda bonds in the Chinese market.
Education and Technology
2022 — Smart Classrooms Agreement
A cooperation protocol was signed to support the provision and equipping of smart classrooms using Chinese technology as part of efforts to develop education infrastructure in Egypt.
Development Financing
October 2023 — Memorandum of Understanding on Debt-for-Development Swaps
The agreement was signed in Beijing on the sidelines of the Belt and Road Forum and established a framework for cooperation on debt-for-development swaps between Egypt and China.
Green Financing
October 2023 — Sustainable Panda Bonds Issuance
Egypt became the first country in the Middle East and Africa to issue sustainable Panda bonds in China’s capital market.
The issuance amounted to 3.5 billion Chinese yuan, equivalent to approximately $500 million, with a three-year maturity and an annual yield of 3.5%, supported by credit guarantees from the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) and the African Development Bank.
Currency and Banking
February 2023 — Renewal of the Currency Swap Agreement
The Central Bank of Egypt and the People’s Bank of China renewed their bilateral local-currency swap arrangement, worth 18 billion Chinese yuan, to facilitate bilateral trade and financial cooperation.
Clean Energy and Green Hydrogen
October 2023 — Renewable Energy Agreements
The Belt and Road Forum witnessed the signing of a major package of agreements and memoranda covering renewable energy and green-fuel projects in the Suez Canal Economic Zone, with announced investments totaling approximately $14.7 billion.
Green Ammonia
October 2023 — Green Ammonia Agreement
An agreement was signed with a Chinese consortium to establish a major green ammonia project in the Sokhna industrial zone, with planned production of green ammonia and green hydrogen.
Industrial Development
October 2023 — Potassium Chloride Complex Agreement
An agreement was signed to establish an industrial complex powered by renewable energy to produce fertilizers and chemicals for export while allocating part of its output to the domestic market.
Maritime Transport
October–November 2023 — Qingdao Port Partnership Agreement
An agreement was signed between the General Authority of Alexandria Port and Qingdao Port to promote cooperation in green and smart port management, digital logistics, and the exchange of technical expertise.
October–November 2023 — Guangzhou Port Memorandum of Understanding
A Memorandum of Understanding was signed to strengthen the exchange of information and maritime expertise and promote greater connectivity between Egyptian and Chinese ports.
Development Cooperation
July 2023 — Global Development Initiative Memorandum of Understanding
Egypt’s Ministry of International Cooperation signed a Memorandum of Understanding in Beijing establishing, for the first time, an integrated strategic framework for development cooperation between Egypt and China.
The financing package during the same period included grants for a vocational training center in the Suez Canal Economic Zone, a feasibility study for an advanced biosafety laboratory, and technical equipment and machinery for Egypt’s Ministry of Transport.
Strategic Partnership
May 2024 — Joint Development Plan for the Belt and Road Initiative
Presidents Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and Xi Jinping witnessed the signing of a Joint Development Plan aimed at aligning Egypt’s infrastructure and development priorities with China’s Belt and Road Initiative through an implementation framework for bilateral cooperation.
May 2024 — Executive Program for the Strategic Partnership (2024–2028)
A new five-year executive program was signed to establish a defined framework and timetable for joint projects, with particular emphasis on technology transfer, industrial localization, and expanded economic cooperation.
Egypt-China Partnership
May 2024 — Launch of the “Egypt-China Year of Partnership 2024”
The two sides agreed to designate 2024 as the “Egypt-China Year of Partnership”, accompanied by initiatives aimed at promoting Chinese tourism to Egypt and expanding cultural, economic, and people-to-people exchanges.
Telecommunications and Technology
September 2024 — Strategic Memoranda of Understanding
During the Prime Minister’s visit to Beijing, five strategic memoranda of understanding were signed to support the development of advanced technological infrastructure and deepen bilateral cooperation in the information and communications technology sector.
Fiber-Optic Manufacturing
September 2024 — Three Fiber-Optic Cable Factories
Agreements were signed with Chinese companies to establish three specialized factories in Egypt for the manufacture of fiber-optic cables and telecommunications equipment, serving both the domestic market and export markets across Africa.
Digital Services
September 2024 — Three Outsourcing Service Centers
Agreements were reached to establish three advanced technology and outsourcing service centers, providing more than 800 employment opportunities for young Egyptians.
Technology Research and Development
September 2024 — Technology Research and Development Center
The agreements provided for the establishment of a Chinese research and development center in Egypt specializing in optical networking and green-transformation technologies, alongside professional training and capacity-building programs.
Automotive Industry
October 2024 — Electric Vehicle Plant Agreement with BAIC
An agreement was signed between Chinese automotive manufacturer BAIC and Alkan Auto, a subsidiary of the Egyptian International Automotive Group, to establish a major plant in Egypt for the local production of electric vehicles with a significant local-content component.
Electrical Appliances
October 2024 — Electrical Appliances Factory in Sadat City
An agreement was signed to establish a Chinese industrial complex in Sadat City for the production and assembly of electrical and household appliances, supporting local manufacturing and reducing reliance on imports.
Industrial Development
October 2024 — New October Factory
A land allocation contract under a usufruct arrangement was signed for the establishment of a new Chinese factory in New October City, with estimated investments of $135 million.
Sustainable Development
July 2024 — Three Memoranda of Understanding on Sustainable Development
Egypt’s Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation signed memoranda of understanding with China’s National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) and the China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA) to promote the exchange of expertise in economic development and advance green and sustainable economic practices.
Development Cooperation
July–August 2025 — Joint Development Cooperation Strategy (2025–2029)
The first framework document of its kind was signed to define financing priorities and development projects for the 2025–2029 period, in line with Egypt’s national development priorities.
Development Financing
July–August 2025 — First Framework Agreement for Debt-for-Development Swaps
A framework agreement was signed to govern the implementation of debt-for-development swaps, allowing agreed portions of Egypt’s financial obligations to be redirected toward financing local green and sustainable development projects rather than being repaid through conventional debt-service mechanisms.
Currency and Banking
July–August 2025 — Renewal and Expansion of the Currency Swap Agreement
An agreement was reached to extend the local-currency swap mechanism between the Central Bank of Egypt and the People’s Bank of China, facilitating bilateral trade and settlement in Egyptian pounds and Chinese yuan while reducing reliance on third-country currencies.
Public Health
2025 — Automated Vaccine Cold Storage Warehouse Project
An implementation agreement and exchange of letters were signed to finance the Automated Vaccine Cold Storage Warehouse Project in cooperation with China’s Sinovac, supporting Egypt’s role as a regional hub for vaccine storage and distribution in Africa.
Health and Scientific Research
2025 — Biosafety Laboratory Agreement
An agreement was signed to finance and establish an advanced Biosafety Level 3 (BSL-3) laboratory in Egypt for medical research, disease surveillance, and epidemic testing, funded through a non-reimbursable Chinese grant.
Human Development
2025–2027 — 2,000 Training Opportunities Program
A cooperation program was established under which China would provide 2,000 training and research opportunities for Egyptian government officials and young professionals in areas including modern public administration, artificial intelligence, and advanced technical education over a two-year period.
Assistive Technology and Disability Support
2025 — Development of Prosthetics and Assistive Devices
A Chinese grant was provided to support the feasibility study and implementation steps for Egypt’s National Project for the Development of Prosthetics and Assistive Devices, alongside the establishment of a dedicated center of excellence for persons with disabilities.
Cultural Heritage
August 2025 — Egyptian-Chinese Center for Underwater Archaeology
A formal Memorandum of Understanding was signed to establish a specialized Egyptian-Chinese center for underwater archaeology and submerged cultural heritage in Alexandria.
The center aims to promote joint research and training and facilitate the exchange of Chinese technological expertise in underwater excavation, documentation, and restoration with Egyptian archaeologists.
Investment and Industrial Development
2025 — Package of Nine Investment Memoranda of Understanding
Nine new memoranda of understanding were signed covering a range of investment and industrial projects, including the local manufacture of electric-vehicle components, solar-panel production in the Suez Canal Economic Zone, the expansion of e-commerce activities, and cooperation in the pharmaceutical and advanced drug-manufacturing sectors.
Currency and Banking
June 2026 — 30 Billion Yuan Currency Swap Agreement
The Central Bank of Egypt and the People’s Bank of China renewed their bilateral local-currency swap agreement for an additional three years.
The value of the agreement was increased to 30 billion Chinese yuan, equivalent to approximately $4.43 billion, compared with 18 billion yuan under previous arrangements.
The expanded facility aims to facilitate bilateral trade, promote the settlement of transactions in Egyptian pounds and Chinese yuan, and reduce reliance on the US dollar.
Defense and Military Cooperation
August 2026 — “Eagles of Civilization 2026” Joint Exercise
The Egyptian and Chinese air forces launched the joint “Eagles of Civilization 2026” air exercise at a number of Egyptian air bases.
The exercise involved various types of multirole fighter aircraft from both sides and included training in joint planning and the management of air combat operations, reflecting the growing scope of defense cooperation between the two countries.
Trade and Exports
August 2026 — Package of 17 Export Contracts
Egyptian companies, in coordination with the Egyptian Commercial Representation, signed 17 export contracts worth approximately $168 million covering agricultural products, textiles, leather goods, and engineering products destined for the Chinese market.
Trade and Tariffs
May 2026 — Activation of Full Tariff Exemption
Egypt began benefiting from a Chinese initiative launched on May 1, 2026, providing 100% tariff exemption for imports from African countries maintaining diplomatic relations with China.
The initiative offers new opportunities to expand Egyptian exports to the Chinese market and contribute to narrowing the bilateral trade deficit.
Local Government Cooperation
June 2026 — China (Nanjing)–Egypt (Cairo) Economic Cooperation Forum
Cairo hosted the China (Nanjing)–Egypt (Cairo) Economic Cooperation Forum, which witnessed the signing of cooperation and twinning protocols involving local and economic-development entities, including Giza Governorate and the Suez Canal Economic Zone, aimed at promoting the exchange of development expertise and expanding investment cooperation.
Industrial Investment
2026 — Localization of Heavy and Clean Industries
Chinese investment in Egypt continued to expand in 2026, with growing interest in localizing heavy and clean industries, including the assembly and manufacture of wind-power turbines and solar panels, alongside ongoing discussions on major industrial projects such as a proposed Chinese aluminum complex in the Suez Canal region.
Transport and Railways
March 2026 — Third Phase of the 10th of Ramadan LRT
A $200 million concessional government loan agreement with the Export-Import Bank of China, repayable in Chinese yuan, was published in the Official Gazette and entered into force following completion of the required approval procedures.
The financing supports the completion of the third phase of the Light Rail Transit (LRT) line serving Egypt’s new urban communities.
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