In the midst of Egypt’s bustling annual agriculture expo, the Chinese pavilion has emerged as a focal point of interest for Egyptian visitors eager to explore the latest agricultural technologies from China.
Fostering Sino-Egyptian agribusiness partnerships
Hussien Fathy, the owner of a chemical fertiliser factory in Egypt’s Ismailia Governorate, expressed his enthusiasm for the growing collaboration between Egypt and China. Fathy shared, “I have signed a deal with a Chinese company from Guangzhou to import raw materials for my factory. China is very advanced in this field, and we benefit greatly from their experience, which helps us provide good quality products to Egyptian farmers.”
He also emphasised the longstanding partnership he has fostered with Chinese firms over the past decade, focusing on the manufacturing of agricultural pesticides and fertilisers. Fathy highlighted the significant role played by Chinese companies in Egypt’s agricultural landscape, stating, “I do not have to travel to China to conclude deals with companies there to purchase raw materials or obtain manufacturing technologies… the exhibition helps me save both time and money.”
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Sahara Expo: A gateway to agricultural advancements
The 35th edition of Sahara Expo, also known as the International Agricultural Exhibition for Africa and the Middle East, serves as a pivotal platform for the promotion of agriculture, animal production, and aquaculture across the Middle East and North Africa.
With over 200 foreign exhibitors participating, including more than 40 Chinese firms, the expo encompasses diverse sectors such as seeds and nurseries, greenhouses, water management, post-harvest services, sustainable agriculture, agricultural machinery, fertilisers, and crop protection.
Unlocking opportunities in Egypt’s thriving agriculture sector
For the participating companies, the expo represents a valuable opportunity to explore new business prospects within Egypt’s burgeoning agricultural sector. Egypt stands as a significant agricultural producer in the region, boasting the highest yields in North Africa for cereals, vegetables, fruits, and oil crops.
Zhao Xinquan, International Sales Manager of LUGUAN Plastic, a Chinese company specialising in high-end agricultural films, expressed optimism about the Egyptian market. Zhao stated, “Egypt has a good market, and this expo is usually visited by many businessmen from the surrounding countries… this is an opportunity for us to meet new possible customers.”
He further noted the potential for growth in Egypt’s agricultural sector, emphasising the steady and rapid market expansion. “Tomorrow we will have several meetings with potential customers from Egypt, Jordan, and Yemen… we will probably sign deals soon,” Zhao added.
At the same pavilion, Ma Jie, Business Manager at China’s Jiangxi New Reyphon Biochemical Co., Ltd., engaged with an Egyptian customer eager to learn about the company’s products. Ma explained, “Our company is involved in developing, producing, and selling biochemical products, as well as the production and sale of pesticides, fertilisers, and food additives.”
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She revealed that her company already exports its products to numerous Egyptian partners and expressed plans to further expand within the Egyptian market. “We have previously participated in the Sahara Expo, and we always found new partners at the expo…. We have signed two new deals with Egyptian companies during this edition of the expo,” Ma added, highlighting the fruitful collaboration between China and Egypt in the field of agriculture.
As the Sahara Expo serves as a vital conduit for knowledge exchange and the exploration of cutting-edge agricultural technologies, it reaffirms the enduring friendship between these two nations. With eyes set on the future, Egypt’s thriving agriculture sector is poised for remarkable growth, while China’s expertise and innovation promise to play a pivotal role in this journey towards agricultural excellence. As we bid farewell to this year’s expo, we look forward to witnessing the continued success and shared prosperity that this unique partnership will undoubtedly bring to the fields of Egypt and beyond.