Bassel Rahmy, CEO of the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Development Agency (MSMEDA); Essam El-Naggar, Minister Plenipotentiary for Trade and Chairman of the General Authority for Exhibitions; and Khaled Melad, Minister Plenipotentiary for Trade and Head of the Egyptian Commercial Service’s Office in China, participated in the opening of Egypt’s pavilion at the 20th China International Small and Medium Enterprises Fair (CISMEF), where Egypt is taking part as Guest of Honour. The Egyptian delegation is led by MSMEDA, in coordination with the General Authority for Exhibitions and with support from the Ministry of Investment and Foreign Trade.
The fair is held under the auspices of China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, in collaboration with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO).
Rahmy noted that this edition coincides with World Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises Day, underscoring global recognition of Egypt’s growing regional and economic influence, and the tangible progress made in the SME sector under the leadership of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi. He also emphasized the strength of bilateral relations between Egypt and China.
He pointed out that MSMEDA, in partnership with the Ministry of Investment and Foreign Trade, the General Authority for Exhibitions, and the Commercial Representation Authority, has participated in several previous editions of CISMEF with notable engagement from Egyptian entrepreneurs. However, this year’s involvement marks a significant milestone, with Egypt being honoured as the Guest of Honour and represented by a substantial national pavilion showcasing 88 Egyptian industrial projects. The pavilion also includes a dedicated hall for direct contracting between Egyptian factories and international investors attending the fair.
Rahmy confirmed that MSMEDA is working to deepen cooperation with Chinese institutions through the development of joint projects and initiatives aimed at boosting economic collaboration between the two countries. Key areas of focus include strengthening the SME sector, supporting young entrepreneurs, building technical and operational capacity, and integrating modern Chinese production technologies to localise essential and complementary industries. This would, in turn, contribute to reducing Egypt’s dependency on foreign currency.
Essam El-Naggar stated that Egypt’s participation in this prestigious international event came in response to an official invitation from China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, arranged in coordination with the Ministry of Investment and Foreign Trade and the Commercial Representation Authority. He affirmed that the invitation reflects Egypt’s strategic regional role and growing economic stature, as well as the government’s ongoing reform efforts to attract foreign investment and promote Egyptian products abroad. El-Naggar also highlighted the commitment of the Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade to supporting Egyptian project owners and enabling their participation in major global exhibitions.
Both sides commended the efforts of the Egyptian Commercial Representation Office in China, led by Minister Plenipotentiary Khaled Milad, for playing a key role in ensuring the success of Egypt’s participation and in establishing new communication channels between Egyptian and Chinese companies.
MSMEDA and the General Authority for Exhibitions had earlier signed a cooperation agreement to facilitate Egypt’s participation as Guest of Honour at this year’s edition of CISMEF.
