By Shen Qiu, China Center for International Knowledge on Development (CIKD)

Research Report, No.88, 2019 (Total 5588) 2019-6-10

Abstract: China-Egypt TEDA Suez Economic and Trade Cooperation Zone is a major cooperation project jointly promoted by China and Egypt. After ten years of development and construction, the cooperation zone has reaped positive economic and social benefits and become an important platform for China-Egypt industrial cooperation, making positive contributions to the sustainable development of the region and the enhancement of China-Egypt friendship. The progress of the early construction led by Egypt was relatively slow, and then gathered speed with the help of China’s investment. Currently, under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), the development of the cooperation zone has witnessed a new high by following the principle of achieving shared growth through consultation and collaboration. The cooperation zone has promoted the local economic and social development and improved the environment through sustainable management. There are three points worth learning from its experience. First, the progress of the zone complies with the law of development and is in line with local conditions through proper adjustment of development goals. Second, the zone authority has conducted communications at multiple levels and reached consensus on issues relating to the development orientation, preferential policies and development approaches. Third, with focus on localization, the zone authority has cultivated multi-faceted partnerships and gained support from local communities.

Key words: the Belt and Road Initiative, overseas economic and trade cooperation zone, sustainable development