Egypt, an important African trading partner of China, has participated in the China International Import Expo (CIIE) for six consecutive years, and also served as the guest of honor country at the first expo.

Through the CIIE, more and more Egyptian products are gaining recognition in the Chinese market, boosting confidence among Egyptian businesses.

Egypt's textile industry has long been a staple of the country's economy and is renowned worldwide, providing top-quality raw materials for the Chinese textile industry. Bright, an Egyptian dyeing and processing company offering a wide range of premium hand knitted yarns and threads, participated in the 6th CIIE in 2023. Within a few days, the company received numerous inquiries from businesses interested in becoming online and offline distributors of its products. The company's booth manager said, "We hope to use the CIIE to introduce our products to more Chinese consumers."

Bright's booth at the 6th CIIE/ [Photo/cctv.com]

The spice industry is also a traditional industry in Egypt. In ancient times, a large number of spices were transported from countries like Egypt to China through the Maritime Silk Road. Today, by leveraging the CIIE, the Egyptian spice industry is encountering new opportunities in the Chinese market.

Last year, Hend Mahrous, export sales manager of Retaj, an Egyptian herbs exporter, participated in the CIIE for the first time, showcasing over 30 types of Egyptian specialty plant spices. "We came to China in search of business opportunities for our hometown's specialties. After participating in the CIIE, we have already received multiple orders, both from China and other countries," Mahrous said. Speaking about her achievements at the expo, she expressed great joy, stating, "The CIIE is truly a momentous event, not only bringing in orders but also offering hope for the future."

Egypt and China, both ancient civilizations, have utilized the CIIE to facilitate cultural exchange. Mahmoud Soliman, an Arabic language foreign teacher from Egypt's Cairo working at the School of Asian and African Studies of Shanghai International Studies University, became a volunteer at the sixth CIIE, participating in video broadcasts to share Chinese stories from an Egyptian perspective.

Expressing his happiness at being able to participate in the CIIE volunteer service as a foreign teacher, Soliman said, "Whether in terms of economic cooperation or cultural exchange between China and Egypt, the CIIE serves as an excellent platform. As a teacher, I am eager to participate in and gain a deeper understanding of the CIIE." He also expressed his desire to act as a bridge by promoting economic and cultural exchanges between the two nations.

Mahmoud Soliman is involved in a livestream during the 6th CIIE. [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]

In April, a promotional event for the 7th CIIE was held in Cairo, with over 150 representatives from Egyptian government institutions, businesses, and trade associations in attendance. Sherif Al Mawardy, chairman of the Egypt Expo & Convention Authority, highlighted the outstanding results achieved by Egyptian companies participating in the 6th CIIE, providing them with a great opportunity to promote "Made in Egypt" globally. According to Mawardy, many Egyptian companies are preparing to attend this year's expo.

A promotional event for the 7th CIIE is held in Cairo. [Photo/CIIE Bureau]

As 2024 marks the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Egypt, Egyptian institutions and businesses are welcome to attend the 7th CIIE and introduce more high-quality and distinctive products to the Chinese and global markets.

Sources: People's Daily, Xinhua News Agency, Guangming Daily, China Daily, China News Service, China Youth Daily, Hunan Ribao, Integrated media news center of Jiangsu Broadcasting Corporation, www.guancha.cn, Shanghai Education Television, WeChat account: sh_songjiang, International trade office of China National Textile and Apparel Council, WeChat account: SISUSAAS

By Zhao Guangmei