Arab Finance: Egypt has signed 17 export contracts worth an estimated $168 million with Chinese companies to boost Egyptian exports to China, as per a statement.

Signed during the “Export to China” event, the contracts cover exports of linen, textile yarns, leather, copper, aluminum, sugarcane, and oranges to the Chinese market.

Held under the joint auspices of Egypt’s Ministry of Investment and Foreign Trade and China’s Ministry of Commerce, in coordination with the Chinese Embassy in Cairo and the Egyptian Exporters Association, exports to China brought together 16 Chinese importing companies and about 40 representatives of Egypt’s export sector in agricultural, food, metal, engineering, leather, and textile industries.

Minister of Investment Mohamed Farid Saleh said the ministry is working to open additional markets for Egyptian products, expand the number of exporting companies, and increase their use of opportunities in priority markets, particularly China.

Securing export contracts is a central objective of the ministry’s promotional activities, he noted, stressing the importance of moving beyond product promotion to establish direct and sustainable relationships between Egyptian exporters and international buyers, supporting the diversification of exports, products, and markets.

The ministry is also seeking to help Egyptian companies benefit from Chinese initiatives and bilateral cooperation frameworks while attracting further Chinese investment into Egypt’s production and export sectors.

Farid also added that these investments could support technology and expertise transfer, raise added value, and strengthen the competitiveness of Egyptian industry.

Sayed Fouad, Minister Plenipotentiary for Trade and Director of the Asia Department at the Egyptian Commercial Service, said the event provided direct networking opportunities between Egyptian businesses and Chinese importers.

He attributed the contracts to coordination among the Egyptian Commercial Service’s Asia Department, the Chinese Embassy in Cairo, the Chinese side, and the Egyptian Exporters Association. Their cooperation helped prepare the event and convert identified trade opportunities into export agreements.

Fouad mentioned that economic and trade relations between Egypt and China have expanded since the two countries elevated their relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership in 2014.

He added that Egypt is seeking to build on this cooperation through the Belt and Road Initiative, the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), and the two countries’ growing cooperation within the BRICS group.

Fouad also highlighted China’s initiative to exempt exports from African countries from customs duties for two years, effective May 1, 2026. He said the initiative offers Egypt an opportunity to diversify its exports, improve the competitiveness of Egyptian products, and benefit from demand in the Chinese market.

The event forms part of the ministry’s efforts, through the Egyptian Commercial Service, to strengthen trade and investment relations with China, support Egypt’s private sector, diversify export markets, and expand private-sector participation in international trade.

The Egyptian Commercial Service offices in Beijing and Shanghai will monitor the implementation of the contracts and coordinate with the Chinese side to identify further opportunities for Egyptian businesses. The offices will also work to increase the number of Egyptian companies benefiting from available trade opportunities and expand the presence of Egyptian products in China.