Egypt's Minister of Planning and International Cooperation, Rania Al-Mashat, signed three memoranda of understanding (MoUs) with Chinese officials during her visit to Beijing for the second Conference of the Forum on Global Action for Shared Development. These agreements aim to strengthen cooperation across various sectors and reflect a growing partnership between the two countries. The first MoU, signed with the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), focuses on knowledge sharing and collaboration in areas of mutual interest. This includes macroeconomics, industrial development, renewable energy, technological innovation, and sustainable development. The agreement facilitates workshops, seminars, and training programs to leverage China's expertise and enhance Egypt's development efforts. The second MoU signed with the NDRC, centres on the implementation of China's BeiDou Navigation Satellite System (BDS) in Egypt. The BDS is seen as crucial for advancing economic and social development, potentially improving living standards. The third MoU, signed with the China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA), targets the establishment of a centre of excellence for people with disabilities in Egypt. This project aims to expand the manufacturing and service provision of assistive technology products. The initiative includes two components: human capacity building through training programs and the supply of equipment based on technical specifications. Commenting on the agreements, Minister Al-Mashat highlighted their significance in expanding the scope of Egyptian-Chinese relations. These MoUs emphasise investments in human capital, scientific research exchange, and development cooperation. Al-Mashat commended the second edition of the forum, organised by CIDCA, noting its role in fostering cooperation among developing nations. She expressed Egypt's interest in hosting the next forum, reflecting the country's strategic partnership with China and its potential to strengthen ties between Egypt, China, and African nations. The MoUs build upon the momentum established in 2023. Notably, Egypt became the first country to sign a debt-for-development swaps agreement with CIDCA in October 2023, further solidifying the economic and developmental partnership between the two nations. Additionally, during the first edition of the forum in 2023, a separate MoU on the "Global Development Initiative" was signed with CIDCA. This agreement established an administrative consultation mechanism and, for the first time, outlined a comprehensive development cooperation strategy between Egypt and China for the next 3-5 years. This strategy specifies areas and projects to be undertaken through the development cooperation program.
