Egypt–China ties underpin logistics, infrastructure & trade cooperation

Egypt’s government has linked the rapid development of Egypt–China relations to expanding cooperation in infrastructure, transport and trade-related sectors that support logistics and supply chains, according to statements made during high-level diplomatic exchanges on December 16, 2025.

Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty welcomed the pace of bilateral engagement during a telephone call with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, noting that sustained political coordination has created a framework for deeper economic and investment cooperation between the two countries.

According to Foreign Ministry spokesman Tamim Khallaf, Abdelatty said Egypt is seeking to convene the fifth round of the ministerial-level Strategic Dialogue and the joint committee meeting to advance cooperation across multiple domains, as both sides prepare to mark 70 years of diplomatic relations next year.

The foreign minister pointed to the role of Chinese companies in major infrastructure projects in Egypt, including the Light Rail Transit project and the Central Business District in the New Administrative Capital. These projects are seen as strengthening urban transport capacity, connectivity and logistics efficiency, alongside cooperation in renewable energy and desalination.

Ain Sokhna’s logistics positioning has also been reinforced by recent developments at the port, where Deputy Prime Minister for Industrial Development and Minister of Industry and Transport Kamel El-Wazir received a Guinness World Records certificate recognising Ain Sokhna as the deepest man-made port basin constructed on land, with a depth of 19 metres. The port’s development forms part of a national plan to enhance Egypt’s role in international trade and position Sokhna as a logistics and transit hub on the Red Sea, supporting large vessels, higher cargo volumes and port-centric supply chains.

The logistics role of Ain Sokhna has also been expanded through new industrial investments linked directly to port operations. Earlier this month, Prime Minister Dr Mostafa Madbouly witnessed the signing of a contract for a sustainable aviation fuel production project by Qatari Al-Mana Holding Company in the Sokhna Integrated Zone of the Suez Canal Economic Zone. The project marks the first Qatari industrial investment within the Suez Canal economy and involves the establishment of SAf Fly Limited, a dedicated production entity located across both the industrial zone and the port area, integrating manufacturing and maritime logistics functions.

With an investment of $200 million, the project is being developed on a total area of 100,000 square metres, including 30,000 square metres inside Ain Sokhna port, enabling direct access to export infrastructure. The facility is designed to produce 200,000 tonnes annually of sustainable aviation fuel, bio-propane and bio-naphtha, derived from used edible oils. Al-Mana Holding has signed a long-term supply agreement with Shell to purchase the full output, with fuel deliveries scheduled to begin by the end of 2027, reinforcing Sokhna’s role in global energy and aviation fuel supply chains.

Abdelatty also highlighted investment opportunities linked to Egypt’s strategy to localise industry and transfer technology, with an emphasis on attracting Chinese investment in artificial intelligence and digitalisation, areas that support modern logistics, industrial automation and supply chain management.

The discussions come as Egypt continues to position economic zones and transport corridors as platforms for foreign investment tied to manufacturing, logistics and trade flows, supported by large-scale infrastructure development.

The call also covered coordination in multilateral forums and regional developments, including Gaza and Sudan, with both sides stressing continued consultation and cooperation as part of the broader strategic partnership.