Egyptian Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly met Tuesday with Mu Hong, Vice-Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), in a push to deepen bilateral relations and economic cooperation. During the meeting, Mu invited Egypt to join a Chinese initiative granting duty-free access for exports from 53 African countries, highlighting opportunities to expand trade between the two nations. Madbouly welcomed the initiative, emphasising Egypt's long-standing diplomatic ties with China, which began in 1956, and noting that next year will mark the 70th anniversary of relations. He reaffirmed Egypt's support for China's "One China" principle and expressed appreciation for Beijing's backing of Egypt's water security efforts. Bilateral relations have advanced steadily in recent years. In 2014, Egypt and China elevated their ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership during President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi's first visit to Beijing. Last year, the two countries celebrated the tenth anniversary of that partnership. The Prime Minister highlighted Chinese companies' involvement in major Egyptian projects, including the New Administrative Capital business district, Alamein Towers, and the light electric train project. He welcomed increased Chinese investments, particularly in the TEDA industrial zone in the Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCZONE), and praised cooperation in renewable energy, desalination, and technology sectors. "We place great importance on Chinese firms collaborating on priority projects and are ready to provide full support to companies using Egypt as a gateway to Africa, the Arab world, and Europe," Madbouly said. He also noted investment opportunities in electric vehicles, electronics, home appliances, and renewable energy production. Mu reiterated China's commitment to deepening economic, trade, and investment cooperation. He added that China is eager to align its Belt and Road Initiative with Egypt's Vision 2030 and is ready to collaborate on infrastructure, renewable energy, and industrial development. China announced in June that it will exempt all imports from African countries with which it maintains diplomatic relations from customs duties. In a letter to African foreign ministers attending a follow-up Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) meeting in Changsha, President Xi Jinping said the 53 African nations with formal diplomatic ties to China would receive "zero-tariff treatment for 100 per cent of tariff lines." No implementation date has been announced, but the initiative marks a sharp contrast to the protectionist trade policies of the United States under President Donald Trump. Economists say it offers African countries an alternative to existing trade frameworks such as the US-backed African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) and the European Union's Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs). Attribution: Amwal Al Ghad English Subediting: Y.Yasser
