A New Advancement in Egyptian-Chinese Relations: H.E. Dr. Rania A. Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning and Economic Development and International Cooperation, Signs 3 MoUs with the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) and the China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA)

A New Advancement in Egyptian-Chinese Relations: H.E. Dr. Rania A. Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning and Economic Development and International Cooperation, Signs 3 MoUs with the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) and the China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA)

 

Signing of a Memorandum of Understanding for the exchange of experiences and practices in the fields of economic development, macroeconomics, and several areas of mutual interest.

 

Memorandum of Understanding regarding the implementation of the BeiDou Navigation Satellite System (BDS).

 

Signing of a Memorandum of Understanding to establish a Center of Excellence for individuals with mobility disabilities and to expand the manufacturing of related products.

 

H.E. Dr. Rania A. Al-Mashat stated that the new MoUs strengthen the robust partnership with the Chinese side and reflect shared priorities in exchanging expertise, enhancing investment in human capital, and fostering cooperation in scientific research.

 

During her visit to Beijing to participate in the second edition of the Conference of the Forum on Global Action for Shared Development, H.E. Dr. Rania A. Al-Mashat signed three memoranda of understanding with Ms. Zheng Bei, Vice Chairman of the National Development and Reform Commission. In China (NDRC)  and Mr. Luo Zhaohui, Chairman of  Chinese International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA), thereby advancing Egyptian-Chinese relations across various areas of mutual interest.

 

The first MoU signed with the NDRC, aims to enhance cooperation in the exchange of experiences and mutual benefit, focusing on economic collaboration through the utilization of expertise related to macroeconomics, industrial development, renewable energy, technological innovation, and sustainable development, in light of the comprehensive partnership and exceptional relations between the two countries. According to the agreement, a series of workshops, seminars, and training programs will be held to benefit from the Chinese experience in reform and development, as well as to organize capacity-building and training programs, among other forms of cooperation.

 

The second MoU aims to enhance collaboration regarding the implementation of the BeiDou Navigation Satellite System (BDS), given the importance of this system in achieving economic and social development and improving living conditions.

 

Moreover, Al-Mashat signed an MoU with the Chairman of CIDCA for “strengthening and expanding mobility and assistive technology products manufacturing and service provision through the establishment of a center of excellence for persons with locomotor disabilities in Egypt”. This project includes two components: the first focuses on enhancing human capacity and providing the necessary technical support through capacity-building programs, while the second relates to supplying equipment and devices according to technical specifications.

 

Commenting on the new MoU, H.E. Al-Mashat emphasized that these new partnerships represent a step towards expanding Egyptian-Chinese relations, reflecting the diversity of these relations to meet the areas and sectors of mutual interest, and focusing on increasing investment in human capital, expanding scientific research, and exchanging developmental experiences and practices.

 

H.E.. Al-Mashat commended the convening of the second edition of the Conference of the Forum on Global Action for Shared Development, organized by CIDCA, which promotes cooperation among Southern countries, expands the scope of joint work with China and Southern nations, particularly in Africa, and creates new partnerships within the framework of the Global Development Initiative (GDI) launched earlier by the Chinese president. She noted that Egypt looks forward to hosting the next edition of the forum, given its strategic partnership with China and the significant opportunities it presents for enhancing cooperation between Egypt, China, and African countries.

 

H.E. Minister Al-Mashat added that 2023 witnessed economic momentum between the two countries, as Egypt was the first country to sign a memorandum of understanding on debt-for-development swaps with CIDCA in October 2023, reflecting not only the unique relationship but also mutual trust and a desire to expand economic and developmental ties.

 

It is noteworthy that in 2023, during the first edition of the forum, H.E. Dr. Rania Al-Mashat signed a memorandum regarding the "Global Development Initiative" with CIDCA, further strengthening the Egyptian-Chinese partnership. This memorandum also includes a clause to establish a consultation mechanism at the administrative level, in addition to formulating a comprehensive development cooperation strategy between Egypt and China for a period of 3-5 years for the first time, in light of the shared relations between the two countries, detailing the areas and projects to be implemented through the development cooperation program.