Latest news with #China-Arab


Al-Ahram Weekly
10-07-2025
- Business
- Al-Ahram Weekly
El-Sisi affirms Egypt's commitment to boosting China partnership - Foreign Affairs
President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi affirmed Thursday Egypt's commitment to activating its comprehensive strategic partnership with China and enhancing bilateral cooperation in various areas of mutual interest. El-Sisi's remarks came during his meeting with Chinese Prime Minister Li Qiang in Cairo. The meeting was attended by Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly and several ministers and senior officials from both sides. According to the Egyptian presidency, El-Sisi pointed to the upcoming 70th anniversary of Egypt-China diplomatic relations in 2026. For his part, Premier Li expressed China's pride in having close bilateral relations with Egypt, which are founded on a long history of strategic partnership, mutual respect, and common interests. Egypt-China economic ties During the meeting, President El-Sisi lauded the contributions of Chinese companies to development projects in Egypt, the presidential statement said. He expressed the country's interest in attracting more Chinese investments, particularly in the sectors of new and renewable energy and electric vehicle manufacturing. El-Sisi also underscored the importance of increasing Chinese tourism and strengthening cooperation in the manufacturing and development fields in general. He expressed Egypt's keenness in continuing coordination with China on the issue of debt swaps and the effective implementation of related agreements. He also noted the rapid development in coordination between Egypt and China on both regional and international levels, appreciating Cairo's pivotal role as a cornerstone of stability in the Middle East. According to China's state news agency, Xinhua, Li affirmed that China is willing to strengthen Belt and Road cooperation with Egypt in various areas and encourage more capable Chinese enterprises to invest in Egypt. He added that China will collaborate with Egypt to advance the stable and long-term progress of China-Arab and China-Africa partnerships. The Chinese PM further emphasised his country's keenness to enhance coordination and communication with Egypt within multilateral platforms including the UN, BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, Xinhua reported. Middle East crises According to the Egyptian presidency, both sides also discussed the latest regional and international developments. They emphasised the importance of maintaining the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Iran, and resuming the diplomatic path to resolve the crisis through peaceful means. EL-Sisi and Li also stressed the necessity of reaching a ceasefire in Gaza, ensuring the immediate delivery of humanitarian aid, and achieving a just and comprehensive solution to the Palestinian cause. For his side, the Chinese Premier said that Beijing stands ready to maintain close communication with Egypt, promote a ceasefire in Gaza and alleviate the humanitarian crisis. On Wednesday, Li arrived in Cairo on an official visit at the invitation of PM Madbouly. The Chinese PM's visit comes amid growing collaboration with Egypt. According to the Egyptian State Information Service (SIS), China is Egypt's third largest trading partner globally, with bilateral trade reaching $2.68 billion in the first quarter of the 2024/2025 fiscal year. In 2024, trade volume between China and Egypt reached $17.378 billion, according to the Chinese foreign ministry. Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:


See - Sada Elbalad
09-07-2025
- Politics
- See - Sada Elbalad
A Partnership for a New Era: The China-Egypt Bond and its Resonance Beyond
Pan Deng As Chinese Premier Li Qiang is visiting Cairo on July 9-10, expectations are high for a meeting that promises to further solidify a relationship that has become a cornerstone of stability and development in the region. This visit is a significant step in building upon the powerful momentum generated by the landmark meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi in May 2024. That summit, which produced crucial strategic agreements and a joint declaration to deepen the comprehensive strategic partnership, set the stage for what is being celebrated as the "China-Egypt Year of Partnership." Premier Li's visit is poised to translate this high-level consensus into tangible progress, propelling an already flourishing relationship toward the shared goal of building a community with a shared future in the new era. The discussions are expected to be both deep and broad, covering the gamut from bilateral ties to pressing regional and international issues. As the Chinese Foreign Ministry noted, the visit aims to "carry forward the traditional friendship, deepen mutually beneficial cooperation, and continuously advance China-Egypt relations toward the goal of building a community with a shared future for a new era." This statement encapsulates the forward-looking and ambitious nature of a partnership that serves not only the interests of both nations but also acts as a powerful engine for the broader China-Arab and China-Africa relationships. A Partnership Anchored in Strategic Trust The enduring strength of the China-Egypt relationship is rooted in strategic trust cultivated over decades of consistent high-level engagement. Egypt was the first Arab and African nation to establish diplomatic ties with the People's Republic of China in 1956, a pioneering step that laid the foundation for a robust partnership. This relationship was elevated to a "Comprehensive Strategic Partnership" in 2014, a designation that reflects a shared understanding of and mutual support for each other's core interests and development paths. In their May 2024 joint statement, the two presidents reaffirmed their commitment to this partnership, vowing to build a China-Egypt community with a shared future. This "Comprehensive Strategic Partnership" is more than just a label; it is a framework for sustained cooperation across all sectors. Politically, it manifests in steadfast mutual support on the international stage. Egypt has consistently adhered to the one-China principle, while China has firmly supported Egypt's sovereignty, security, and its efforts to play a major role in regional affairs. This mutual respect and support provide a solid political foundation for practical cooperation. Economically, the partnership has aligned China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) with Egypt's Vision 2030, creating powerful synergies. The two nations have also demonstrated a united front in addressing regional challenges, notably calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and advocating for the two-state solution as the only viable path to resolving the Palestinian issue. This alignment on critical geopolitical issues underscores the strategic depth of their ties and their shared commitment to a more just and equitable global order. Weaving a Tapestry of Common Development The economic dimension of the China-Egypt partnership is a powerful testament to the principle of mutual benefit. The collaboration has moved beyond traditional trade to encompass large-scale investments, industrial modernization, and technological co-development, yielding concrete benefits for the Egyptian people. The China-Egypt TEDA Suez Economic and Trade Cooperation Zone stands as a flagship project, having attracted over 185 companies with investments totaling around $3 billion, transforming a swath of desert into a vibrant industrial hub. Similarly, Chinese enterprises have been instrumental in the construction of Egypt's new administrative capital, including its iconic Central Business District, a project that is reshaping the country's urban landscape. The fruits of this cooperation are visible across Egypt. Chinese technology has helped drill over 680 wells, turning arid land into productive farms. In a landmark achievement, China assisted Egypt in becoming the first African nation with the capacity to assemble, integrate, and test satellites, a significant leap in its technological capabilities. Furthermore, cooperation in renewable energy, information technology, and public health is expanding rapidly. China is actively supporting Egypt's transition to a green economy and has helped build the country's largest vaccine storage facility. This multifaceted economic engagement not only fuels Egypt's development but also showcases a model of South-South cooperation that is based on partnership, not dependency, creating jobs and transferring vital skills to the local workforce. A Model for a New Era of China-Arab Relations The success of the China-Egypt relationship resonates far beyond its bilateral scope, serving as a powerful exemplar for the broader China-Arab partnership. The principles of mutual respect, equality, and shared development that define the Sino-Egyptian model are the same principles that animate China's engagement with the entire Arab world. During the 10th Ministerial Meeting of the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum in May 2024, President Xi Jinping outlined a vision for a China-Arab community with a shared future, emphasizing the need to build a more dynamic, stable, and interconnected relationship. The "eight major cooperation initiatives" proposed by President Xi at the first China-Arab States Summit in 2022 provide a detailed roadmap for this vision, covering everything from development support and food security to green innovation and youth empowerment. These initiatives are already bearing fruit, with the BRI now enjoying full participation from all 22 Arab countries. As a member of the BRICS mechanism and a dialogue partner of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, Egypt plays a crucial role in bridging these multilateral platforms, amplifying the collective voice of developing nations. The deepening China-Egypt relationship, therefore, not only strengthens the China-Arab partnership but also contributes to the construction of a more multipolar and balanced global governance system. In conclusion, Premier Li Qiang's visit to Egypt is another pivotal moment, reaffirming a shared commitment to a partnership that is both historic and forward-looking. The relationship is a living example of how two great civilizations can work together to navigate a complex world, forging a path of common development and shared prosperity. As China and Egypt continue to deepen their cooperation, they are not only serving the interests of their own people but are also building a model of international relations for a new era—an era defined by partnership, mutual respect, and a relentless pursuit of a shared future for all humanity. read more Analysis- Turkey Has 0 Regional Allies... Why? Analysis: Russia, Turkey... Libya in Return For Syria? 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ME Construction
03-07-2025
- Business
- ME Construction
UAE and China Qingdao Overseas Integrated launch service centre to boost trade
The UAE and China unveiled the Qingdao Overseas Integrated Service Centre at the China-Arab Business Forum held in Qingdao. This initiative aims to boost the US $400bn trade between China and the Arab world. During the Forum, a total of 40 projects were signed, with a combined value of $5.93bn. These projects span across various industries, including high-end equipment, new energy and materials, and next-generation information technology. This service centre, established by the SepcoIII Electric Power Construction and Hisense Group, aims to serve as a new bridge for China-Arab economic and trade cooperation. By leveraging the long-standing presence and influence of these two companies in the UAE and other Middle Eastern countries, the centre seeks to better support the overseas development of enterprises. Trade between China and Arab countries has history back over 2,000 years, and China has been an important trading destination for the Arab world since the Islamic caliphate, and later through the Silk Route that connected China with the Arab world, said a statement. Saudi Arabia and China are said to be crucial trading partners, with a combined bilateral trade volume of $107.53bn in 2024. In contrast, trade between China and the UAE reached $101.838bn, a 7.2% increase year-on-year. Despite global economic fluctuations, these figures demonstrate the resilience of trade. Experts believe that China's engagement with Arab states is a strategic move to diversify partnerships and reduce reliance on any single power, particularly the United States. Chinese companies are increasingly involved in various sectors of Arab countries, including energy, infrastructure, manufacturing, and new energy. They are actively participating in infrastructure projects such as ports and industrial zones, contributing to the development of trade hubs in the region. Notably, the launch of the QOISC coincides with an increase in two-way trade between China and Arab countries, surpassing $400bn in 2024, as reported by the London-based International Finance magazine. This growth represents an increase from $36.7bn in 2004. According to the UAE Ministry of Economy, over 15,500 Chinese companies have invested more than $6bn in the UAE. The QOISC, organised by the Qingdao Municipal People's Government and China India Middle East and North Africa (Chimena) Business Council, was co-hosted by the Ministry of Commerce of the People's Republic of China and the Shandong Provincial Department of Commerce. Abdulla Albasha Alnoaimi, UAE Commercial Attaché to China and Zeng Zanrong, Secretary of the Qingdao Municipal Party Committee of the Chinese Communist Party, unveiled the QOISC at the Forum. Held under the theme 'Innovation-Driven, Mutually Beneficial: Promoting China-Arab Economic and Trade Cooperation to New Heights', the China-Arab Business Forum drew 465 multinational companies, including 135 Fortune Global 500 companies and 330 industry-leading enterprises from 43 countries across the globe. Mohammed Saqib, Secretary General of Chimena Business Council said, 'The launch of the service centre is a significant move that will play a significant role in accelerating the $400bn trade between the two growing economic blocks. The QOISC combines the strength of the public and private sector to push for greater economic co-operation that will bring not only the businesses, but also the peoples of these regions closer through trade, tourism and cultural cooperation. It will actively engage in activities such as overseas industrial parks, international exhibitions, and procurement resource matching, linking business opportunities, optimising resources, and fostering coordinated development. This will further contribute to deepening trade and investment partnerships and to jointly building the Belt and Road Initiative.'


Business Wire
02-07-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Fostering Global Talent: Hazem Ben-Gacem Arab Scholars Program Donation Agreement Signing Ceremony at Tsinghua
BEIJING--(BUSINESS WIRE)--A landmark moment took place on June 26, 2025, at the Schwarzman College, Tsinghua University, with the signing of an agreement to establish the 'Hazem Ben-Gacem Arab Scholars' Program' at Tsinghua University. The ceremony marked Hazem Ben-Gacem's generous donation to launch this program for talented students from Arab countries, supporting Tsinghua University's efforts to encourage global talent and cultural exchange. The ceremony was attended by H.E. Mohammed Shaikho, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Bahrain to China; Mr. Ahmed Mustafa Fahmy Hafez, Head of the League of Arab States Beijing Mission, Mr. Hazem Ben-Gacem, Founder and CEO of BlueFive Capital; Prof. Yang Bin, Vice Chancellor of Tsinghua University Council; Yang Fan, Associate Dean of the Graduate School; and Ms. Ren Yilin, Deputy Secretary-General of the Tsinghua University Education Foundation. In his speech at the ceremony, Mr. Hazem Ben-Gacem said: 'For over a thousand years, the Arab region and China have cultivated a significant and multifaceted relationship characterized by robust trade, knowledge exchange, and cultural dialogue. Through this donation, I hope to establish a bridge of friendship between Chinese and Arab youth, allowing more outstanding Arab students to study at Tsinghua University, kickstarting a generation of future Arab leaders who would cultivate these important connections.' Mr. Hazem Ben-Gacem reflected on his multiple visits to China, describing the country as humble, eager to learn, virtuous, and hardworking. He also expressed his keenness to carry forward the spirit of lifelong learning and tradition of cultural exchange, building a China-Arab youth community with a shared future, that would become a beacon for cross-civilizational communication and cooperation. Prof. Yang Bin expressed the university's sincere gratitude for Mr. Hazem Ben-Gacem's generous donation. He noted that in recent years, Tsinghua University has been actively enhancing its global influence through strategic initiatives, with a particular focus on deepening engagement and cooperation with countries in the Arab League region, thereby significantly advancing cultural exchange between the two sides. The scholarship motivates recipients to pursue academic excellence and serves as an important milestone in strengthening friendly ties between Tsinghua University and the Arab world. It vividly embodies the shared values of openness, inclusiveness, mutual respect, and the pursuit of common progress across cultures and borders. About Mr. Hazem Ben-Gacem: Hazem Ben-Gacem (Chinese Name: 夏本佳), a Tunisian national, is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of BlueFive Capital, a newly formed global investment manager based in Abu Dhabi. Hazem is a renowned veteran of the investment industry in the Middle East, with more than 30 years of experience in private equity investment across industries and geographies. He was previously the Co-Chief Executive Officer of Investcorp, the largest non-sovereign asset manager in the Middle East.


CairoScene
30-06-2025
- Business
- CairoScene
UAE & China Launch Qingdao Service Centre to Deepen $400B Trade Ties
Launched at the China-Arab Business Forum, the Qingdao Overseas Integrated Service Centre will support businesses from the UAE, China, and the wider Arab region. Jun 30, 2025 The UAE and China have inaugurated the Qingdao Overseas Integrated Service Centre (QOISC) during the China-Arab Business Forum in Qingdao. Co-founded by SEPCOIII Electric Power Construction and Hisense Group, the centre is intended to strengthen economic collaboration by offering trade facilitation, investment support, and cultural exchange services for UAE and Arab enterprises in China. China-Arab commerce surpassed US $400 billion in 2024, a tenfold increase from two decades ago. The forum included the signing of 40 major business deals - worth approximately US $5.93 billion - spanning high-end equipment, new energy, advanced materials, and next-generation tech. The QOISC is positioned as a bridge between public and private sectors, aiming to accelerate trade, investment, tourism, and cultural collaboration across the region. Looking ahead, the centre plans to support international exhibitions, industrial park development, and procurement matching, using the UAE as a regional hub. The move aligns with broader efforts to deepen cooperation in infrastructure, green energy, digital technologies, and aligns with China's Belt and Road Initiative.