Egyptian official eyes closer cooperation with China to combat desertification

Egypt seeks to deepen cooperation with China in combating desertification, managing water resources, and boosting agricultural productivity, drawing on China's expertise in greening arid lands and sustainable development, an Egyptian official said recently.

Hosam Shawky, president of the Desert Research Center (DRC), one of Egypt's oldest research institutions and affiliated with the Ministry of Agriculture and Land Reclamation, highlighted China's successful experience in controlling desertification -- particularly in the Taklamakan Desert -- as a valuable model for Egypt.

"China's green belt and large-scale restoration projects are models we look up to," Shawky told Xinhua in an interview on Sunday, adding that Egypt is eager "to draw on China's expertise in sustainable land and water management."

Cooperation between the two countries is already underway through scientific and academic exchanges. Noting that many Egyptian researchers have earned master's and PhD degrees in China in fields related to the environment, agriculture, and desertification control, Shawky said these researchers now serve as "a bridge linking Egyptian and Chinese institutions."

Last week, several Egyptian and Chinese research centers, including the DRC, signed a cooperation protocol to promote scientific research, academic collaboration, and the exchange of expertise.

As part of the agreement, a regional office of the China-Africa Research Center will be established in Cairo at the DRC to enhance bilateral and multilateral cooperation among Chinese, Egyptian, and North African research institutions. The office will also oversee joint training programs to build the capacity of African professionals.

Speaking about the new office, Shawky said it "will extend training and awareness programs to African partners," expressing hope that the Egypt-China collaboration will become a model benefiting other African countries facing similar environmental challenges.

The DRC is also working with Chinese investors and scientists to cultivate non-traditional, high-yield crops that can thrive in saline and dry conditions, he added. "Our focus is on achieving the highest productivity with the least water consumption."

According to Shawky, Egypt faces "a huge challenge" in meeting the food demand of a growing population amid severe water scarcity and limited arable land.