A consortium of Chinese companies is set to establish an integrated agricultural community spanning one million feddans in Egypt's New Valley Governorate, a Cabinet statement showed on Thursday. The statement did not specify the names of the Chinese companies involved in the project. The project will focus on cultivating strategic crops vital to Egypt's food security while optimising water usage, producing high-value crops such as medicinal and aromatic plants, and building agricultural greenhouses to grow export-ready fruits for European markets. The initiative also includes the development of an advanced agricultural research centre and an agro-industrial complex to localise agricultural industries in Egypt. To ensure sustainability, the project will incorporate renewable energy plants. The project is inspired by the success of China's TEDA industrial zone in the Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCZONE) and aims to replicate it by creating a comprehensive Chinese agricultural zone in partnership with the Egyptian government and private sector. The announcement came during a meeting between Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly and a delegation from the Egyptian-Chinese Entrepreneurs Association (ECEA) and representatives of Chinese firms in New Valley Governorate. Prime Minister Madbouly expressed his full support for the project and highlighted the government's commitment to facilitating Chinese investments in Egypt. He noted the agricultural potential of New Valley and emphasised the importance of collaboration in cultivating strategic crops and advancing agro-industrial innovation. Mohammed Alaa, ECEA Secretary General, highlighted ongoing efforts to enhance co-operation between Egypt and China, particularly in agricultural productivity and research. He noted that recent high-level visits and discussions had strengthened ties, paving the way for this landmark project. "This initiative will not only boost Egypt's agricultural sector but also provide an avenue for advancing renewable energy and modern farming techniques," Alaa said. He added that the project reflects China's confidence in Egypt's investment climate, praising the government's incentives and support for foreign investors. With its focus on strategic crops, research-driven innovation, and sustainable practices, the project is expected to transform Egypt's agricultural landscape, reinforce food security, and strengthen trade ties between Egypt and China. The Egyptian government has pledged to monitor the project's progress and address any obstacles to ensure its success. Attribution: The Egyptian Cabinet
