Egypt seeks fairer trade with China

Egypt is pushing for broader access to Chinese markets in an effort to correct a widening trade imbalance, as leaders from both nations reaffirmed their commitment to a growing strategic partnership. Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly and President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi recently hosted Chinese Premier Li Qiang in Cairo, marking a significant moment in bilateral relations that span seven decades.

Trade imbalance sparks call for market access

Prime Minister Madbouly emphasized the need to address the trade imbalance that heavily favors China. In 2024, trade volume between the two countries reached $17.38 billion—yet 96 percent of that was composed of Chinese exports to Egypt, leaving Egyptian exports at just 3.3 percent.

“We aim for a more balanced relationship,” Madbouly stated during talks with Li Qiang. He called for enhanced access for Egyptian goods in Chinese markets and invited Chinese industries to consider relocating operations to Egypt to boost local manufacturing and reduce dependency on imports.

China signals openness to Egyptian exports

Responding to Egypt’s request, Premier Li said China is keen on increasing the presence of Egyptian exports in its domestic market and has already taken steps toward this goal. Both sides affirmed their shared interest in localizing industrial production, technology transfer, and joint ventures.

Li also pointed to China’s readiness to invest further in strategic sectors like renewable energy, artificial intelligence, and electric vehicles—areas that align with Egypt’s economic priorities.

Strategic cooperation marks a decade of progress

This visit comes as Egypt and China prepare to mark 70 years of diplomatic ties in 2026 and celebrate a decade since elevating their relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership in 2014. The leaders underscored their intention to build on these foundations, launching new projects and cooperation mechanisms across trade, infrastructure, technology, and culture.

The fourth round of the China-Egypt strategic dialogue, held in Beijing last December, reaffirmed mutual support for national sovereignty, economic development, and long-term stability in both countries.

Egypt looks to attract Chinese investment

President El-Sisi welcomed China’s growing presence in Egypt’s development agenda, especially the role of Chinese companies in key infrastructure projects like the New Administrative Capital and New Alamein City. He expressed interest in expanding Chinese investment in electric vehicles, green energy, and advanced manufacturing.

The president also highlighted Egypt’s readiness to offer favorable conditions for Chinese firms by leveraging its numerous free trade agreements with Arab, African, and European markets. Debt swap initiatives and Belt and Road projects were also discussed, with both parties aiming to fast-track implementation.

Strengthening multilateral coordination

Beyond bilateral cooperation, Egypt and China reiterated their commitment to multilateral collaboration, especially within forums such as the United Nations, BRICS, and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation. Both nations support each other’s sovereignty and reject external interference in internal affairs.

China pledged continued support for Egypt’s security and development goals, while Egypt reaffirmed its support for the one-China policy and China's territorial integrity.

Shared vision on Middle East stability

The leaders exchanged views on several pressing regional challenges, most notably the ongoing crisis in Gaza. Both nations called for an immediate and permanent ceasefire and emphasized the importance of delivering humanitarian aid without obstruction.

Egypt praised China’s consistent support for the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, including the establishment of an independent state along the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital. China, in turn, commended Egypt’s mediation efforts and its hosting of key regional conferences to mobilize international humanitarian response.

The two countries also expressed mutual concern over crises in Syria and Lebanon, advocating for sovereignty, non-interference, and support for national institutions.

Looking ahead: Building a community for shared future

The talks concluded with the signing of several cooperation agreements, further cementing Egypt and China’s long-term partnership. Both sides agreed to seize the momentum from the 2024 "Year of Partnership" to build a "Chinese-Egyptian community for a shared future."

As Egypt positions itself as a bridge between Africa, the Arab world, and Europe, and China continues to expand its global economic reach, both nations appear set on deepening ties that go well beyond trade—encompassing diplomacy, innovation, and regional security.