Chinese manufacturers seek business opportunities at expo in Egypt

People visit a booth for food during the China Homelife Egypt held in Cairo, Egypt, on June 5, 2022. (Xinhua/Ahmed Gomaa)

CAIRO, June 6 (Xinhua) -- As many as 160 Chinese companies are showcasing their products at a trade fair held in the Egyptian capital of Cairo, hoping to meet potential clients and seek business opportunities.

The fair, China Homelife Egypt, kicked off on Sunday and will be open until June 7 at the Cairo International Convention Center, featuring Chinese products in nine segments, including agriculture and food, building materials, consumer electronics, furniture, household appliances, textiles and clothing, household products, gifts, and lamps.

In this year's session, the exhibition saw for the first time the Chinese exhibitors joining the fair via the internet to conduct business discussions with interested buyers.

"We believe that Egypt is a good market for our products," said Mohammed al-Wardany, an agent for a Chinese company manufacturing spare parts for water lifter pumps.

"Many people visited our pavilion and inquired about our products," he added.

Meanwhile, Egyptian buyers are also looking for cooperation opportunities at the ongoing exhibition, where thousands of products are presented.

Emile Reda, marketing manager with an Egyptian company selling materials for printers and faxes, said that he has found many companies covering the printing field at the fair, and his company plans to sign some deals.

"It's very helpful and I really admire the Chinese products being showcased here... they always surprise us with the up-to-date technologies," he added.

The event organizers said that the exhibition aims to transfer Chinese technology to Egypt and conclude contracts between manufacturers and traders in the two countries.

"The Chinese government helps Egypt become a logistical center for exporting Chinese products to other countries in Africa and the Middle East," said Adham al-Fiki of the organizing team, adding that the Middle East region, including Egypt, is an important market for Chinese manufacturers.

The bilateral trade between Egypt and China hit 19.97 billion U.S. dollars in 2021, up by 37.3 percent year on year, according to figures released by the General Administration of Customs of China in January.

Exports from China to Egypt totaled 18.27 billion dollars, up 34 percent year on year, while China's imports from Egypt reached 1.7 billion dollars, up 84.8 percent, the report said.

A visitor inquires at a booth during the China Homelife Egypt held in Cairo, Egypt, on June 5, 2022. (Xinhua/Ahmed Gomaa)

A visitor inquires at a booth during the China Homelife Egypt held in Cairo, Egypt, on June 5, 2022. (Xinhua/Ahmed Gomaa)

Photo shows a booth of mechanical seal during the China Homelife Egypt held in Cairo, Egypt, on June 5, 2022. (Xinhua/Ahmed Gomaa)

People visit a booth for digital products during the China Homelife Egypt held in Cairo, Egypt, on June 5, 2022. (Xinhua/Ahmed Gomaa)