Sino-Egyptian energy deals worth $1.8bn signed during Cairo summit

China and Egypt concluded over 30 energy-focused agreements, including electric vehicles, smart grids and storage technologies.

Share:

The Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area–Africa economic conference, held in Cairo on May 19, resulted in the signing of over 30 commercial agreements with a total value exceeding $1.8bn. These commitments primarily involve the development of energy cooperation between China and Egypt.

Electric mobility and energy components at the centre of the deals

Chinese companies such as BYD Company and Guangzhou Automobile Group (GAC) formalised joint projects with Egyptian partners to produce, assemble and distribute electric vehicles for the local and African markets. These partnerships also include the deployment of charging infrastructure and technology transfer for battery components.

Midea Group, specialised in home appliances and energy solutions, plans to expand its production capacity in Egypt to meet the growing demand for high-efficiency energy management systems.

Strengthening of smart energy infrastructure

The signed agreements also include projects targeting electricity transport and distribution infrastructure. Huawei Technologies committed to working with Egyptian operators to introduce digital energy management solutions, including smart grids and real-time monitoring platforms.

Initiatives in energy storage are also being considered, although no specific financial figures were disclosed for this segment. According to official statements, these projects aim to build sustainable local capacity supported by joint financing and knowledge transfer.

Egypt as a regional anchor for Chinese energy projects

Egypt’s geographic position and its trade agreements with 22 African countries make it a logistical platform for Chinese companies looking to expand across the continent. Egyptian officials highlighted the opportunities offered by this regional opening for high-tech energy projects.

Zhao Liuqing, Economic and Commercial Minister Counselor at the Chinese Embassy in Cairo, noted that China has remained Egypt’s largest trading partner for thirteen consecutive years. He stated that “Chinese innovation is bringing real benefits to Egyptian society”, referring to energy initiatives backed by both governments.

Qatar has warned that it could stop its liquefied natural gas deliveries to the European Union in response to the new European directive on due diligence and climate transition.
The Brazilian mining sector is drawing US attention as diplomatic discussions and tariff measures threaten to disrupt the balance of strategic minerals trade.
Donald Trump has raised the prospect of tariffs on countries buying Russian crude, but according to Reuters, enforcement remains unlikely due to economic risks and unfulfilled past threats.
Afghanistan and Turkmenistan reaffirmed their commitment to deepening their bilateral partnership during a meeting between officials from both countries, with a particular focus on major infrastructure projects and energy cooperation.
The European Union lowers the price cap on Russian crude oil and extends sanctions to vessels and entities involved in circumvention, as coordination with the United States remains pending.
Brazil adopts new rules allowing immediate commercial measures to counter the U.S. decision to impose an exceptional 50% customs tariff on all Brazilian exports, threatening stability in bilateral trade valued at billions of dollars.
Several international agencies have echoed warnings by Teresa Ribera, Vice-President of the European Commission, about commercial risks related to Chinese competition, emphasizing the EU's refusal to engage in a price war.
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development lends €400 million to JSC Energocom to diversify Moldova's gas and electricity supply, historically dependent on Russian imports via Ukraine.
BRICS adopt a joint financial framework aimed at supporting emerging economies while criticizing European carbon border tax mechanisms, deemed discriminatory and risky for their strategic trade relations.
The European Commission is launching an alliance with member states and industrial players to secure the supply of critical chemicals, amid growing competition from the United States and China.
Trade between Russia and Saudi Arabia grew by over 60% in 2024 to surpass USD 3.8 billion, according to Russian Minister of Industry and Trade Anton Alikhanov, who outlined new avenues for industrial cooperation.
Meeting in Rio, BRICS nations urge global energy market stability, openly condemning Western sanctions and tariff mechanisms in a tense economic and geopolitical context.
Despite strong ties, Iran's dependence on oil revenues limits its ability to secure substantial strategic support from Russia and China amid current international and regional crises, according to several experts.
Egypt’s Electricity Minister engages in new talks with Envision Group, Windey, LONGi, China Energy, PowerChina, and ToNGWEI to boost local industry and attract investments in renewable energy.
The potential closure of the Strait of Hormuz places Gulf producers under intense pressure, highlighting their diplomatic and logistical limitations as a blockage threatens 20 million daily barrels of hydrocarbons destined for global markets.
Budapest and Bratislava jointly reject the European Commission's proposal to ban Russian energy supplies, highlighting significant economic risks and a direct threat to their energy security, days ahead of a key meeting.
Libya officially contests Greece's allocation of offshore oil permits, exacerbating regional tensions over disputed maritime areas south of Crete, rich in hydrocarbons and contested by several Mediterranean states.
Hungary, supported by Slovakia, strongly expresses opposition to the European Commission's plan to phase out imports of Russian energy resources, citing major economic and energy impacts for Central Europe.
Israeli military strikes on Iran's Natanz nuclear site destroyed critical electrical infrastructure but did not reach strategic underground facilities, according to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
The French president travels to Nuuk on 15 June to support Greenlandic sovereignty, review energy projects and respond to recent US pressure, according to the Élysée.