CIIE Hailed As a Great Pioneering Undertaking of China by Egyptian Partners

On January 6, upon the request of China International Import Expo (CIIE Bureau), the Economic and Commercial Counsellor’s Office of the Embassy of the People’s Republic China in Egypt (hereinafter referred to as “ECCO”) interviewed

Mr. Tarek Kabil, Minister of Trade and Industry, Government of Egypt, with regard to the first China International Import Expo (CIIE). How will Egypt take part in the expo? What products does it offer that are competitive enough to be exported to China? Let us check what the Minister and Egyptian businessmen had to say about it!

ECCO: First of all, thank you very much for taking our interview, Your Excellency. As a developing country, China will hold the China International Import Expo to open its market with 1.3 billion potential customers and share with the world its development achievements. What’s your point of view on China’s efforts in promoting economic globalization and trade facilitation? What part will Egypt play and how will Egypt capitalize on them?

Minister Kabil: I view CIIE as a great pioneering undertaking of China. China is the largest exporter and the second largest importer in the world. Opening your market to the world and inviting countries with potential commodities for export is a remarkable thing to do. We will surely take part in the expo and display our products that can be exported to China. In addition, we will also organize investor roadshows and corporate match-making sessions. What we are concerned about is how to achieve the trade balance between Egypt and China. So, as a leader in world trade, China has embarked on a great pioneering undertaking by holding CIIE.

ECCO: What products do you think Egypt can offer that are competitive enough to be exported to China?

Minister Kabil: As an important part of the development of our country, SMEs account for 90% of Egyptian economy. On the other hand, China boasts the world-leading e-commerce and will be a great platform for Egypt to offer Chinese manufacturers some of the products along their industrial chains. Some of our competitive products can be exported to China, including building materials, chemicals and textile materials made of Egyptian cotton. I believe the expo will be an outstanding platform. We will strive to make sure our most competitive products to be on display at the expo.

ECCO: What measures will the Egyptian Ministry of Trade and Industry take to encourage the exporters of your country, especially SMEs, to take part?

Minister Kabil: CIIE is a very important occasion for Egypt. We’ve officially confirmed our participation. Just as the Chinese organizers will offer logistic and exhibition support to exhibitors, our Export Development Authority will also offer subsidies to them, especially SMEs. All in all, we will invite as many Egyptian SMEs as we can, especially those that can satisfy the demands of the Chinese import market, to the expo.