Dr. Iman Mansour, GAFI Deputy Chief Executive Officer:
“Egypt-China relations are witnessing continuous development, anchored in a strategic partnership that supports investment.”
“We are working to create a more competitive business environment to attract new investments and expand the economic partnership with China.”
As part of Ministry of Investment and Foreign Trade (MIFT)’s broader push to deepen economic cooperation with international partners and attract foreign direct investment, Dr. Iman Mansour, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the General Authority for Investment and Free Zones (GAFI Deputy CEO), received a high-level delegation from China’s Xicheng District, led by Mr. Wang Bo. The two sides discussed ways to strengthen economic and investment cooperation and draw more Chinese investment into the Egyptian market.
During the meeting, both sides explored prospects for cooperation between GAFI and the economic and financial institutions of Xicheng District — one of China’s most important financial and economic centers and home to a number of the country’s largest banks and state-owned enterprises.
GAFI Deputy CEO affirmed that Egypt-China relations are undergoing continuous development, built on solid foundations of cooperation and strategic partnership. She noted that Egypt was the first Arab and African country to establish formal diplomatic relations with China roughly 70 years ago — a milestone that laid the groundwork for a successful model of economic and investment cooperation between the two nations.
She added that this distinguished relationship opens wide avenues for boosting economic cooperation and attracting more joint investment, stressing GAFI’s commitment to creating a competitive and investment-friendly business environment that draws in new capital and broadens the Egypt-China economic partnership across priority sectors.
The meeting examined investment and cooperation opportunities across a number of priority sectors, including tourism and hospitality, new and renewable energy, electrical appliances manufacturing, engineering industries, automotive manufacturing, and financial services — areas in which Egypt holds strong competitive advantages and significant investment potential.
Within that context, Dr. Mansour discussed with the Chinese side ways to secure the financing needed by Chinese companies wishing to invest in the Egyptian market, while also drawing on China’s advanced expertise in financial services and banking technology — with the aim of supporting new investments and expanding the economic partnership between the two countries.
The two sides agreed to form a delegation of 16 major Chinese companies to visit Egypt in the coming period to explore available investment opportunities, study setting up new projects, and consider expanding existing investments — moves intended to boost the flow of Chinese capital into the Egyptian market.
The two sides also discussed the possibility of opening an investment representation and promotion office in Xicheng District, with the goal of raising awareness of Egypt’s investment advantages, incentives, and available opportunities. They further agreed to develop a comprehensive promotional program targeting China’s business community to highlight the Egyptian investment incentives and legislation and increase awareness of opportunities across various sectors.
The meeting also addressed plans to expand the organization of joint forums, conferences, and economic events — initiatives designed to strengthen trade and investment cooperation between the two countries and create direct communication channels between the Egyptian and Chinese business communities.
Dr. Mansour reaffirmed that MIFT and GAFI will continue organizing promotional tours and investment missions to China, while also maintaining the work of the dedicated unit inside GAFI that serves Chinese investors — providing the support and facilitation needed to attract further Chinese investment and deepen the economic partnership between Egypt and China.
