Recently, the Tianjin Branch of China Development Bank (CDB) issued the first loan of RMB 28.58 million to support infrastructure development in Phase II of the expansion project of the China-Egypt TEDA Suez Economic and Trade Cooperation Zone. This move is part of CDB's efforts to implement the outcomes of last year's Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Beijing Summit and to contribute to the ten key cooperation initiatives under the China-Africa modernization partnership.

The China-Egypt TEDA Suez Economic and Trade Cooperation Zone is a state-level overseas economic and trade cooperation zone approved by the Chinese government, with construction beginning in 2008. The initial phase and Phase I of the expansion have already been completed. Phase II of the expansion involves a total investment of RMB 520 million and covers 2.13 square kilometers. Planned construction includes 49,200 square meters of standard factory buildings, 11,000 square meters of bonded warehouses, 28,000 square meters of apartments, and supporting commercial facilities. The CDB Tianjin Branch formulated a tailored financing plan based on client needs, coordinated internal and external resources, and utilized its RMB financing channel to support the project, signing a total loan agreement worth RMB 220 million.

As a key financial institution for China-Africa cooperation, CDB has consistently supported the development of the China-Egypt TEDA Suez Economic and Trade Cooperation Zone. Its Qingdao Branch, along with the China-Africa Development Fund, has provided a combined USD 74 million in loans and equity investment, facilitating the construction of standard workshops, service centers, training bases, and municipal infrastructure in the initial and Phase I expansion areas.

After years of development, the cooperation zone has become a flagship project linking the Belt and Road Initiative with Egypt's Suez Canal Corridor Development. It now hosts six major industries: chemicals, building materials, textiles, electrical equipment, metal processing, and construction machinery. The zone has attracted over USD 3 billion in investment, achieved cumulative sales exceeding USD 5.3 billion, paid nearly USD 300 million in taxes, and directly created jobs for nearly 10,000 people.

Currently, more than 180 enterprises have established operations in the zone, including leading Chinese companies such as China Jushi, Dayun Motorcycle, Midea, Xinxing Ductile Iron Pipes, and China Glass, as well as firms from Egypt, the UAE, Canada, and other countries. The zone has significantly contributed to the rapid development of relevant industries in Egypt and has helped train a cohort of skilled technical workers and corporate management professionals.