Egypt’s State Information Service (SIS), headed by Ambassador Alaa Youssef, has published a comprehensive dossier on its website ahead of an expected visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping. The file documents nearly seven decades of relations between Cairo and Beijing while outlining prospects for future co-operation.
The dossier, issued under the title “The Expected Visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping to Egypt”, reviews key milestones in political, economic, investment and development ties between the two countries.
Egypt became the first Arab and African country to establish diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic of China on May 30, 1956. The relationship was elevated to a comprehensive strategic partnership in 2014.
The file highlights Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi’s visit to China in December 2014, when the upgraded partnership was agreed, as well as Xi’s visit to Egypt in January 2016. It also reviews subsequent presidential meetings and Egypt’s participation in the G20, BRICS, the Forum on China-Africa Co-operation and the Belt and Road Forum.
It further highlights Sisi’s visit to China in May 2024, held during the 10th anniversary of the comprehensive strategic partnership, when the two countries declared 2024 the Year of Egyptian-Chinese Partnership.
The SIS said co-operation has expanded beyond political relations to include investment, industry, energy, transport, telecommunications, information technology, artificial intelligence, space, agriculture, health, education, culture, tourism, antiquities, defence, security and the environment.
Major projects linked to Chinese co-operation include the China-Egypt economic and trade zone in Ain Sokhna, the TEDA-Egypt industrial zone, the Central Business District in Egypt’s New Capital and the light rail transit system, as well as energy, port and logistics projects.
The dossier said Chinese investment had helped support industrial localisation, technology transfer, domestic production, job creation and Egyptian exports, while linking the country more closely to global supply chains.
Trade reaches $20.78 billion
Trade between Egypt and China reached about $20.78 billion by the end of 2025, up from $17.37 billion in 2024, representing growth of approximately 19.6 per cent, according to the dossier.
Egypt’s main exports to China include agricultural products, energy and fuel, raw materials and textiles. Imports from China include machinery, equipment, electrical appliances, electronics, transport equipment and production inputs.
The file also identifies emerging areas for cooperation, including the digital economy, artificial intelligence, clean energy, green hydrogen, advanced industries, electric vehicles, space, logistics and smart ports.
Other areas include healthcare and vaccine manufacturing technology, education and vocational training, modern agriculture, archaeology and underwater cultural heritage. Defence and security cooperation include the joint Egyptian-Chinese “Eagles of Civilisation 2026” air exercise, which began this month.
The dossier includes a separate section providing background on China’s geography, political system, economy, industry, agriculture, education, cultural landmarks, tourism and role in international organisations.
The SIS said the publication was intended to provide media organisations, researchers and the public with reliable background information ahead of major international visits and events.
