Paving the new Silk Road: China to fund infrastructure projects in Egypt

China has agreed to help fund big infrastructure projects in Egypt and assist in developing its fishing, agriculture, electronics and banking sectors.
The agreement came during President Xi Jinping’s (習近平) visit to the Middle Eastern nation this week .
READ MORE: Key facts behind China’s warming ties with Saudi Arabia, Iran and Egypt as Xi Jinping signs mega oil deals during his Middle East tour
The infrastructure projects include developing an industrial area in the Suez Canal corridor and will form part of Xi’s “One Belt, One Road” initiative to expand China’s trade and economic ties in Asia and beyond.
“Egypt needs Chinese companies to take part to provide investment, drive growth and create jobs,” said Li Guofu, at the China Institute of International Studies.
Military ties between the two nations are strengthening, with Egypt purchasing Chinese arms and both agreeing to cooperate on satellite and space projects.
They also agreed to work together to fight terrorism by enhancing intelligence exchanges and to cooperate in hunting suspects and sending them overseas to face questioning or trial.