China, Egypt to boost cultural, trade cooperation

Chinese delegations would visit Egypt in the coming period to discuss cultural cooperation, China's Ambassador to Egypt Song Aiguo said on Tuesday.

Speaking at the "Doing Business with Asia Conference" in Cairo, the ambassador called for stepping up Chinese-Egyptian trade relations, noting that the trade volume between the two countries hit USD 11.6 billion in 2014, making China Egypt's biggest trade partner.

Given its distinguished geographic location, and gradual recovery of stability, Egypt would play a crucial role in the coming period, Song noted.

He further said that there are many potential areas for cooperation such as energy, infrastructure and electricity as well as nuclear power, cement and natural gas.

The Chinese diplomat underscored the importance of the Egyptian partnership, as a founding member, in the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank.

China has decided to revive the Silk Road trade route to further push cooperation with Africa, Song said.

The Doing Business with Asia Conference will focus on the role of the private sector in enhancing bilateral and multilateral trade and investment between Egypt and economic blocks and Asian countries.