In recent years, trade relations between China and Egypt have flourished, particularly in the realm of port collaboration. Major ports from both nations have forged deep connections, encouraging growth in container transport, vocational training, and advancements in the port industry.
Strengthening Ties Through Sister-Port Agreements
The Guangzhou Port in Guangdong province has taken significant steps to enhance maritime connectivity with Egypt’s Alexandria Port. By establishing a diverse array of container liner routes, Guangzhou Port now operates six direct routes linking it to Alexandria. This initiative has transformed Guangzhou into a pivotal trading hub, complementing Alexandria and Port Said, two prominent ports on the Mediterranean.
In November 2023, a formal memorandum of understanding was signed between Guangzhou and Alexandria Ports, solidifying their sister-port alliance. This agreement underscores a commitment to collaborate on various fronts, such as developing new shipping routes, embracing smart port technologies, promoting sustainable port practices, and enhancing workforce training programs. Since the inception of this partnership, the volume of container transport between the two ports has seen substantial growth.
Significant Increase in Container Traffic
Data from Guangzhou Port Group reveals a remarkable escalation in container transport between January and July, surging to 19,500 Twenty-foot Equivalent Units (TEUs). This impressive figure signifies a year-on-year increase of over 165.9%. The predominant cargo flowing from Guangzhou consists of manufactured goods such as appliances, machinery, vehicles, building materials, textiles, furniture, and steel products, all originating from the Pearl River Delta region. Conversely, imports from Egypt mainly include agricultural commodities, minerals, and textile raw materials, enriching the trade dynamic between these two vital ports.
Educational Initiatives: A Focus on Vocational Training
Beyond trade partnerships, the Luban-Mozi College situated in Egypt embodies the spirit of China-Egypt cooperation in vocational education and maritime industry sectors. Officially launched in 2024, Luban-Mozi College takes a proactive stance in addressing the skills gap present in Chinese-invested ports abroad. The college emphasizes smart-port development and provides a variety of educational programs—ranging from full-time degrees to vocational training, including faculty exchanges and the joint creation of curricula.
Managed by the Arab Academy for Science, Technology, and Maritime Transport, the college’s operations entail everything from student recruitment to the administration of locally delivered courses. Alexandria Port plays a crucial role in identifying workforce requirements, offering hands-on training, evaluating skill levels, and assisting graduates in finding employment.
Various educational resources have been developed, including standards for four disciplines, 16 essential courses, and 23 bilingual textbooks that are now utilized by numerous maritime institutions. Additionally, Shandong Port Group has introduced digital training tools and virtual simulation systems across Egypt, Tanzania, and Sudan, expanding the educational footprint of this cooperative effort.
This initiative has proven effective, with two cohorts of 79 full-time master’s students graduating and securing positions in leading Egyptian port and maritime organizations. The inaugural group of graduates has become highly favored by businesses operating along the Mediterranean coast. Furthermore, short-term training programs are offered to professionals from Egypt and other neighboring countries, bolstering the regional maritime workforce.
As trade relations strengthen, the collaborative efforts between China and Egypt in both transportation and education signify a promising future for the maritime industry and beyond.