Ten Years of Achievement: A Milestone Celebration for the Teda Cooperation Zone’s 10th Anniversary

The Peak Rises from the Ground: The Head of State Charts a New Course for Development

January 21, 2016—Ten years ago today, the hands of President Xi Jinping and President Sisi jointly unveiled the red silk covering the plaque marking the expansion area of the China-Egypt Teda Suez Economic and Trade Cooperation Zone (Teda Cooperation Zone). This historic moment was captured in live footage by numerous media outlets around the world, freezing the image of a warm handshake between two continents.

On January 21, 2016, the heads of state of the two countries jointly unveiled the plaque for the expansion zone.

At that time, in the Teda Cooperation Zone, located 120 kilometers from Cairo, after eight years of dedicated development, the 1.34-square-kilometer initial zone had become bustling with traffic and dotted with factories—already emerging as an early and promising fruit of China-Egypt capacity cooperation. Meanwhile, the eyes of the two countries’ leaders were already fixed on an even broader horizon—a grand development blueprint characterized by greater scale, higher standards, and a more inspiring vision. The launch of the 6-square-kilometer expansion zone is not merely a simple geographical extension; rather, it represents a crucial leap forward in the depth of strategic mutual trust and cooperation between the two nations.

The Path of Ascent: A Decade of Transformation—from “Model of Success” to “Strategic Engine”

Ten years of climbing begin with a single step and are achieved through relentless effort.

The expansion of the space is outlining a new blueprint for development. From the initial 1.34 square kilometers of the startup zone, to the expanded 6 square kilometers, and now to the newly signed 2.86-square-kilometer extension area slated for completion by 2025—over the past decade, the total developed area of the TEDA Cooperation Zone has surpassed 10 square kilometers, giving rise to a continuously expanding industrial belt. Once a desolate and quiet expanse, this land has now become one of the most well-equipped infrastructure hubs and fastest-growing modern industrial clusters in the Middle East and North Africa region.

The clustering of enterprises is fostering a new industrial ecosystem. Digital records bear witness to this remarkable journey: By the end of 2025, the number of enterprises stationed in the TEDA Cooperation Zone has grown to nearly 200, and the actual amount of investment attracted has surged past 3.8 billion U.S. dollars. This zone brings together industry leaders from China and around the world, including China Jushi, Xidian International, Midea, Hisense, XinXing Cast Pipe, BinHua, and Sailun Tire. These companies are not merely clustered in physical space; rather, they have formed an industrial ecosystem characterized by “horizontal clustering and vertical chain integration”—a “1+8” dominant industrial structure (where “1” represents bonded logistics, and the “8” encompasses new building materials, petroleum equipment, high- and low-voltage equipment, mechanical manufacturing, textiles, chemicals, new energy, and white goods). Each of these industries is driven by leading enterprises that provide mutual support, thus giving rise to a modern industrial cluster with strong regional competitiveness.

On July 29, 2021, the foundation-laying and groundbreaking ceremony for the Midea Egypt project was held in the TEDA Cooperation Zone.

The leap in development has redefined the new essence of the park. Over the past decade, the TEDA Cooperation Zone has undergone a profound transformation—from a mere manufacturing base to an integrated empowerment platform. Here, you’ll find bonded logistics facilities—such as the TEDA-Royal Logistics public bonded warehouse—where enterprises like TEDA-Royal Logistics operate, significantly boosting the efficiency of customs clearance. Here, too, is vocational training: a jointly established technical training center with Chinese vocational colleges, which is nurturing urgently needed technical talent for Egypt. Here, financial innovation is taking root: the first-ever offshore RMB loan has been successfully executed, and a memorandum of cooperation on the Cross-Border Interbank Payment System (CIPS) has been signed, positioning the zone as a hub for RMB cross-border settlement in the Middle East and North Africa region. And here, digital empowerment is underway: in collaboration with Huawei, the park is being digitally and intelligently transformed, driving smart upgrades for both the park itself and its resident enterprises. Today, the TEDA Cooperation Zone has evolved into an “integrated industry-city ecosystem” that seamlessly combines production, logistics, trade, finance, innovation, and daily life.

On July 9, 2025, the TEDA Cooperation Zone, Cross-Border Interbank Payment System Co., Ltd. (CIPS), and the Suez Canal Bank of Egypt signed a memorandum of cooperation on cross-border payments.

Summit View: A Bountiful and Symbiotic Landscape

For ten years, we’ve stood atop the peak, looking back at the path we’ve traveled—blossoms in full bloom, and abundant fruits hanging from every branch.

Its economic contributions—backed by concrete data—testify to its robust strength. As of the end of 2025, the TEDA Cooperation Zone has accumulated sales exceeding 6.6 billion U.S. dollars and paid nearly 310 million U.S. dollars in taxes and fees, injecting strong momentum into Egypt’s economic development. Even more commendable is its ability to generate foreign exchange through exports: products manufactured by companies within the zone are steadily reaching broader markets via Egypt’s network of bilateral and multilateral trade agreements with Europe, the United States, Africa, and Arab countries.

Social contribution—development benefits millions of households. Enterprises in the TEDA Cooperation Zone have created nearly 10,000 direct jobs and spurred tens of thousands of indirect employment opportunities—behind each of these figures lies the improved livelihood of an Egyptian family. The proportion of local employees exceeds 95%; from skilled workers on the production line to mid- and senior-level management positions, Egyptian employees are present at every level. The TEDA Cooperation Zone not only provides employment but also systematically offers skills training and organizes trips for outstanding employees to China for further study, thereby building a valuable talent pool to support Egypt’s industrialization process.

Local employees of the Xidian International Workshop

By fulfilling our responsibilities and taking root in the local community, we demonstrate warmth and care. For many years, the TEDA Cooperation Zone and its resident enterprises have continuously participated in Ramadan charity events, bringing warmth to the local community. We’ve organized joint medical consultations featuring Chinese and Egyptian doctors, enabling traditional Chinese medicine to benefit a wider population. We’ve also hosted cultural events that promote mutual understanding and integration between Chinese and Egyptian cultures. Furthermore, we’ve partnered with local schools, donating school supplies and paying close attention to the growth and development of young people. Through these initiatives, the TEDA Cooperation Zone has transcended its purely economic role, becoming a bridge of friendship that fosters closer ties among peoples and facilitates mutual cultural learning.

On May 20, 2019, representatives from the TEDA Cooperation Zone distributed Ramadan gift boxes to the Egyptian people.

The project has earned widespread recognition and firmly established its position as a benchmark. During his tenure, Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly visited the Teda Cooperation Zone eight times, hailing it as “an ideal model for the development of industrial parks in Egypt.” Ministerial officials from various countries, ambassadors stationed in Egypt, and delegations from government and business circles have flocked to the zone. Leading domestic and international media outlets have consistently covered its progress, and for four consecutive years, it has been recognized by international business media as the “Best Industrial Developer.” As a result, the Teda Cooperation Zone has become an important window in the international community’s view, showcasing China-Egypt and China-Africa cooperation.

On January 11, 2024, Prime Minister Madbouly led a delegation to visit the TEDA Cooperation Zone.

Sustainable Ascent: Honoring the Past, Embracing the Future

Ten years of striving culminate not in a finish line, but in the starting point of a new journey.

Standing at the historical vantage point of 2026, as we approach the 70th anniversary of China-Egypt diplomatic relations and enter a new stage of high-quality development in jointly building the Belt and Road Initiative, and amid an era of accelerating restructuring of global industrial and supply chains, looking ahead, the TEDA Cooperation Zone has already accumulated strong momentum for continued advancement—its western expansion and extension zone provide fresh space for industrial layout; its mature industrial ecosystem exerts powerful attraction; and its outstanding brand reputation has earned the trust of all parties.

The direction for future climbs is becoming clearer:

Moving toward “green” development, we are building a model low-carbon park. Green projects such as Binhua New Energy + Chemical Integration and Atum Solar are helping to lay the foundation for sustainable development.

Elevating toward “digitalization,” we are building a benchmark smart park, leveraging digital technologies to enhance management efficiency and drive industrial innovation.

Move toward “integration,” expand the functions of financial hubs, and promote the wider use of the renminbi in cross-border trade and investment.

Expand outward to enhance the platform’s outreach and influence, making the TEDA Cooperation Zone a bridge for industrial cooperation that connects China, Egypt, and even the entire African continent.

On December 16, 2025, the foundation stone was laid for the ATUM Solar Integrated Industrial Park.

Ten years of relentless effort, ten years of steady progress. From 2016 to 2026, the expansion zone of the TEDA Cooperation Zone has, with firm and solid steps, etched a memorable milestone in the grand tapestry of China-Egypt friendship.

This towering peak was forged by vision—guided by the foresight of the two countries’ leaders, it has charted a clear path for cooperation. This towering peak was strengthened by trust—the joint efforts of Chinese and Egyptian builders have turned blueprints into reality. This towering peak was nurtured by sweat—the dedication of every single employee has infused the park with vibrant life.

The journey of climbing is endless. We pay tribute to the wisdom and hard work of all those who have strived and walked alongside us over the past decade. Moreover, we look forward to continuing our partnership with Egypt—built on the foundations of mutual trust, mutual benefit, and win-win cooperation—as we steadily march forward toward an even grander and more glorious peak, embarking together on a new journey.

—END—