Chinese minister vows to boost economic ties with Egypt

Visiting Chinese Commerce Minister Bo Xilai has vowed to strengthen economic cooperation between China and Egypt, according to Chinese officials on Monday.

During his meeting with Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak on Sunday, Bo briefed Mubarak on China's ideas on pushing ahead with some Chinese-Egyptian joint ventures in Northwest Economic Zone of the Gulf of Suez.

Mubarak, for his part, said that the Egyptian government has attached great importance to the projects and pledged "100 percent" support to them.

In a separate meeting with Egyptian Prime Minister Ahmed Nazef on Sunday, Bo said that under a huge plan of cooperation agreed upon during a summit between Chinese President Hu Jintao and President Mubarak in January, China will work with Egypt to develop the economic zone.

Bo, who is leading a high-ranking delegation of officials and entrepreneurs, said that his visit was aimed at deepening economic bilateral cooperation, as the two countries were working hand in hand to facilitate the development of the economic zone.

China hopes to turn the economic zone into a modern industrial park, with major manufacturers and service providers of the two countries operating in it, he said.

For his part, Nazef said that Egypt, as an old friend of China, is willing to learn from China in terms of economic growth, adding his country is offering preferential policies toward Chinese companies which invest in the economic zone.

Bo arrived here Saturday evening for a four-day visit aimed at promoting economic cooperation between the two countries.

The visit came as part of China's efforts to further develop bilateral relations, especially economic cooperation, following a summit between President Hu and President Mubarak in January.

The delegation will also seek to further enhance Chinese investment in Egypt, especially in the economic zone.