The Chinese embassy in Egypt: There are a lot of potentials in the cooperation between China and Egypt

Amal Salama has interviewed by the journalists from People's Daily Online (People's Daily Online/Li Luying)

"Egypt warmly welcomes President Xi Jinping's proposal of constructing the Silk Road economic zone and 21st Maritime Silk Road (referred to as "one belt and one road"). Egypt is developing the Suez Canal, which is a vital communication line in the Maritime Silk Road, and its coastal economic development zone. Egypt welcomes Chinese investors to co-build the 21st Maritime Silk Road." So said Amal Salama, the deputy foreign minister of Egypt, speaking to journalists from People’s Daily Online.

Egypt understands and agrees with President Xi's proposal of "one belt and one road," which will help to promote trade and friendly cooperations among the countries along the Silk Road. "We will have specific cooperative projects with China to develop the 'one belt and one road' suggestion," said Amal Salama. "And the development of the Suez economic zone is a very suitable reponse to this proposal."

The Suez economic development zone lies on the bank of the Suez Canal. Teda, Jushi, and some other Chinese companies are already planning to invest in the zone. "This is a good start," said Amal Salama, "but we hope there will be more Chinese enterprises coming to Egypt and investing in the Suez economic development zone. The government of Egypt is also evaluating the investment environment and formulating specific regulations to attract more investors."

The Suez Canal is one of the world's busiest water channels, and a major link between Asia and Africa. Based on its location, the Suez economic development zone has the potential to impact on the markets of Europe, Africa, and Arabia. Egypt has signed FTAs (free trade aggreements) with some major countries in these markets, which will add to the competitiveness of the zone.

In addition, Egypt is constructing a new Suez Canal. Amal Salama says that the new Canal, which will open next summer, is 35 kilometers long and runs parallel to the old Canal. It will signficantly improve the transport capacity of the Suez and China, as an important user of the Canal, will certainly benefit.

Egypt was the first Arab country to establish diplomatic relations with new China. Since 1956 the two countries have maintained close cooperation and exchanges in politics, trades, culture, etc. Amal Salama says, "Egypt considers China as a true friend, and is always very grateful for China's support and help. We are looking forward to the 60th anniversary of the establishement of diplomatc relation between the two countries. We wish the best for further development in the friendship between China and Egypt, hoping the two countries will become strategic and cooperative partners very soon." 

This article is edited and translated from 《埃及欢迎中国投资苏伊士》，source: People's Daily Online, author: Yao Chun