Springtime Across the Four Seas—A Glimpse of the TEDA Cooperation Zone’s Spring Festival Gala: Singing Along the Silk Road

The horse gallops across vast rivers and mountains, and the Silk Road ushers in a new journey. On the afternoon of February 15, with clear skies and a boundless blue expanse above the Red Sea, the Suez Canal–adjacent China-Egypt Teda Suez Economic and Trade Cooperation Zone (Teda Cooperation Zone) in Egypt was adorned with colorful lanterns and festooned with festive decorations, filled with laughter and joyful chatter. Here, a Spring Festival Gala for 2026, themed “Spring Shared by All Nations—A Shared Dream for Home and Country,” was held. More than 200 people—including representatives from Chinese enterprises based in the zone, Egyptian employees, and their family members—gathered together to celebrate the Lunar New Year of the Horse, continuing the enduring legacy of Chinese culture in a foreign land and further strengthening the bonds of friendship between China and Egypt.

At the outset of the event, all participants stood solemnly and sang the National Anthem of the People’s Republic of China. The majestic melody echoed throughout the venue, conveying the heartfelt blessings of overseas builders to their motherland and further demonstrating the unwavering commitment of state-owned enterprises to fulfilling their mission and serving the country’s overall interests.

In her speech, Cao Hui, Executive Director of the Teda Cooperation Zone, stated that over the past year, the zone has actively responded to the complex and ever-changing international environment, steadily advancing investment promotion, industrial services, and localization efforts. It has continuously optimized the business environment and enhanced its overall capacity to support businesses, thereby becoming a key pillar of China-Egypt industrial cooperation. She pointed out that the Teda Cooperation Zone is not only a platform for economic cooperation but also a bridge for cultural exchange and mutual learning among civilizations. Looking ahead to the new year, the zone will adopt a proactive and enterprising attitude, deepen its focus on industrial collaboration, promote green development, and actively fulfill its social responsibilities, injecting stronger momentum into the local economic and social development.

The cultural performance segment was brimming with highlights and reached one thrilling climax after another. The guzheng and ocarina duet of "Jasmine Flower" unfolded in a gentle, lingering melody, evoking the homesickness of those away from home. Songs such as "My Chinese Heart," "Red Flag Fluttering," and "As I Wish" were passionately performed, stirring deep feelings of love for our country and homeland. The martial arts show "Dragon Soaring, Martial Spirit" was imbued with majestic vigor, embodying the robust spirit and resilience of Chinese culture. Young Egyptians presented poetry recitations and dances, expressing their sincere understanding and deep affection for Chinese culture through heartfelt performances, vividly showcasing the beautiful picture of cultural integration and mutual understanding between China and Egypt. Employees from companies within the park and student representatives took turns on stage, with Chinese and foreign performances complementing each other splendidly. The venue was filled with continuous applause and an atmosphere of warmth and camaraderie.

During the gala, multiple rounds of raffles and interactive sessions were also organized. Enterprises enthusiastically participated, creating a lively and enthusiastic atmosphere on site. The New Year’s greetings videos conveyed partners’ blessings and confidence, fostering a shared commitment to moving forward together.

The gala came to a successful close with the entire audience singing in unison, “Tomorrow Will Be Better.” Brilliant fireworks lit up the Suez night sky, reflecting the bright prospects of China-Egypt cooperation.

This Spring Festival gala is not only a heartwarming gathering for overseas Chinese communities but also a vivid lesson in cultural exchange and a rallying call to build consensus. It vividly showcases the proactive efforts of state-owned enterprises overseas in fulfilling their social responsibilities, fostering mutual understanding among peoples, and promoting mutual learning among civilizations, fully demonstrating the inclusive power and contemporary charm of Chinese culture.

The Year of the Horse symbolizes dynamism and ambition, embodying a sense of mission and responsibility. In the new year, the TEDA Cooperation Zone will serve the joint construction of the Belt and Road Initiative from an even higher vantage point, and with more concrete measures, it will promote industrial synergy and local integration. On this new journey of China-Egypt cooperation, we will spur ahead with vigor and determination, forging ahead with steady steps toward a brighter future and continuing to write a splendid chapter in the era of the Silk Road.

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