Hong Kong plays a “pivotal role” in Sino-Egyptian relations, according to top officials from the North African nation, who have expressed high hopes of boosting trade and tourism with the city through cultural exchanges.

“Hong Kong plays a very pivotal role in [Sino-Egyptian relations], as a connector, as a mediator,” he told the Post.

“I always think that for the people here, working in investment and trade, you have here a privilege, the languages and the laws and everything.”

Sheweikhi added that Hong Kong boasted experience in working with entities around the world, which would make it “much easier” for Chinese companies to use the city to approach the Egyptian market.

The envoy noted the bilateral trade between Egypt and Hong Kong reached HK$2.1 billion (US$270 million) last year, representing a 5.4 per cent increase from 2023, and could be partially attributed to mainland Chinese businesses investing in the country via the city.