In a move that reflects the continued growth of bilateral relations, Egypt and China signed five new cooperation documents in Egypt’s New Administrative Capital during the official visit of Chinese Premier Li Qiang to Cairo.
The documents were signed by Egypt’s Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation, Dr. Rania Al-Mashat, and Chen Xiaodong, head of the China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA).
The agreements include a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for the first-ever joint development cooperation strategy between the two countries for the period 2025–2029, as well as the first phase of a debt swap program for development.
Strategic Milestone in Bilateral Relations
Dr. Rania Al-Mashat emphasized that the Chinese Premier’s visit and his meetings with President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly reflect the ongoing progress in bilateral ties, which have evolved significantly over recent years. This progress builds on the comprehensive strategic partnership agreement signed by the two presidents in 2014.
She added that the newly signed documents mark a strategic leap in cooperation—establishing the first 5-year development strategy and the framework agreement for Egypt and China’s first debt swap program, which will fund development projects in Egypt.
Dr. Al-Mashat highlighted that Egypt’s strengthening relationship with China is a testament to the country’s active economic diplomacy, which seeks to deepen ties with international institutions and development partners, rooted in Egypt’s balanced foreign policy under the current leadership.
She also noted that the Egypt–China partnership goes far beyond development cooperation. It includes localizing industry and technology, fostering joint investment, and leveraging the Belt and Road Initiative as a tool to achieve economic integration between Egypt, China, and other partner countries.
The First Egypt–China Development Cooperation Strategy (2025–2029)
The two sides signed an MoU outlining the first development cooperation strategy between Egypt and China. The strategy aligns with Egypt’s Vision 2030 and the Global Development Initiative (GDI) launched by China.
Key areas of cooperation include: Public health, Connectivity, Climate change and green development, The digital economy, Space, Education, Industrial localization
The strategy also opens doors to other potential joint initiatives that may be agreed upon during the five-year period.
This strategy builds on previous agreements, including the MoU signed by Dr. Al-Mashat during her visit to China in July 2023 as part of the Global Development Initiative meetings.
First Debt Swap Agreement
In a landmark move, Egypt and China signed the framework agreement for the first phase of a debt swap program, aimed at implementing development projects.
This follows an MoU signed in October 2023. Egypt becomes the first country to sign this type of development financing agreement with CIDCA.
Dr. Al-Mashat highlighted Egypt’s success in debt-for-development swaps, particularly with Italy and Germany, where deals exceeded $900 million. Egypt has accumulated significant expertise in governing such programs to maximize their developmental impact—an approach endorsed by global forums advocating innovative financial tools for restructuring debt and promoting sustainable development in emerging economies.
National Project for Prosthetics Development
Dr. Al-Mashat also signed letters related to a feasibility study grant worth 1.52 million Chinese yuan for a national project to develop prosthetic technologies in Egypt. The goal is to transform Egypt into a regional hub in the Middle East and Africa for the production and provision of prosthetics and assistive devices for people with disabilities—manufactured in line with international quality standards.
Human Resource Development Cooperation
In addition, an MoU was signed to enhance human resources cooperation, complementing the ministry’s role as the national coordinator of China’s annual training program for Egyptian government officials.
The agreement includes the provision of 2,000 training opportunities by the Chinese side for Egyptian participants under both bilateral and multilateral frameworks from 2025 to 2027.
Level-3 Biosafety Lab Project
Lastly, letters were exchanged for a grant to establish a Level-3 Biosafety Laboratory. This high-security lab will strengthen Egypt’s capacity in biosafety and public health research by providing a sealed environment for the study, diagnosis, and control of high-risk pathogens, such as COVID-19 and its variants. The facility will support efforts in developing preventive and containment strategies against infectious diseases.
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