Ashraf AboArafe
ON August 17, 2026, the “Big Market for All: Export to China” Egypt Session convened top government officials, diplomatic leaders, and trade representatives along the banks of the Nile River in Cairo. Held under the auspices of the Egyptian Ministry of Investment and Foreign Trade, the landmark event brought together a delegation from the Ministry of Commerce of China alongside prominent Egyptian and Chinese business leaders to address trade imbalances, promote Egyptian exports to China, and foster deep industrial integration.
Key Remarks & Official Statements
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Moderator’s IntroductionOpened the conference by welcoming the Chinese trade delegation and business leaders, setting a practical tone focused on turning potential trade opportunities into lasting commercial partnerships.
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Mr. Chang Hui, Deputy Director General, Department of Foreign Trade, Ministry of Commerce of ChinaEmphasized China’s dedication to facilitating market access for high-quality Egyptian goods, streamlining customs procedures, and expanding bilateral import channels under shared regional trade frameworks.
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H.E. Dr. Abdelaziz El-Sherif, First Undersecretary & Head of the Egyptian Commercial ServiceDelivered a comprehensive address detailing the strategic landscape of Egypt-China commercial relations:
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Historic Milestone & Strategic Alignment: Highlighted that 2026 marks the 70th anniversary of formal diplomatic relations between Egypt and China—noting that Egypt was the first Arab and African nation to establish diplomatic ties with Beijing. Since upgrading to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2014, Egypt has become a central partner in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), and the expanded BRICS block.
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Trade Volume & Structural Imbalance: Reported that total bilateral trade reached $20.8 billion in 2025, consisting of $19.9 billion in Chinese exports to Egypt compared to $819 million in Egyptian exports to China. Dr. El-Sherif emphasized the imperative of addressing this trade deficit through increased export diversification.
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Tariff Exemption & Market Opportunities: Welcomed Chinese President Xi Jinping’s initiative granting two-year duty-free access for African exports effective May 1, 2026, calling it a crucial gateway for Egyptian products into Chinese markets.
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Key Export Sectors: Identified ready-to-export industries including food processing, agriculture, textiles and garments, chemicals and fertilizers, building materials, engineering goods, and green energy technology.
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Shifting to Economic Integration: Urged a transition from traditional trading to joint production and industrial integration, utilizing Egyptian hubs like the TEDA Suez Canal Economic Zone to manufacture and export jointly to broader African, Arab, and global markets.
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Official Representative, Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in EgyptUnderscored diplomatic alignment, institutional cooperation, and mutual growth strategies supporting resilient international supply chains.
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Mr. Mohamed Kassem, Chairman of the Egyptian Exporters Association (Expolink)Focused on private-sector readiness, supply chain compliance, and Expolink’s active role in connecting Egyptian manufacturers directly with Chinese procurement networks.
Key Outcomes & Actions
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Official Signing CeremonyThe session featured a signing ceremony where leading Egyptian and Chinese enterprises executed commercial contracts and Letters of Intent (LOIs). Featured signees included Agremax General Trading LLC and China New United Import & Export Co., Ltd. (a subsidiary of Xinxing Cathay International Group).
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B2B Business MatchmakingConducted direct, interpreter-assisted business meetings between Chinese buyers and Egyptian exporters, establishing tangible distribution pathways and purchasing agreements across priority industrial sectors.
