Mahmoud Esmat, Minister of Electricity and Renewable Energy, met with Cheng Defang, Chairperson of China North Industries Group Corporation (NORINCO), at the outset of his visit to Beijing to discuss prospects for cooperation in exploration, mining and advanced manufacturing.
NORINCO operates across several strategic sectors, including defence industries, oil and minerals, international engineering, specialised civil products and investment in emerging industries.
The meeting reviewed opportunities for joint cooperation in exploration, mining and manufacturing related to nuclear materials, alongside the exchange of technical expertise, advanced technologies and human capacity development, in support of the peaceful uses of nuclear energy.
The discussions come in line with directives from the political leadership to maximise returns from underground resources and ensure their optimal management and utilisation. They also align with the Ministry of Electricity and Renewable Energy’s action plan to localise industry and transfer advanced technologies in exploration, extraction and processing of raw materials, as well as rare and strategic elements.
Held in the presence of Ahmed Farghal, Head of the Executive Authority for Supervision of Nuclear Power Plant Construction Projects, and Hany Gamal, Professor of Metallurgical Engineering at the Nuclear Materials Authority, the meeting also addressed frameworks for joint action under the state’s strategy to strengthen partnerships with major international companies and localise modern technologies.
The talks covered potential areas of cooperation within the remit of the Nuclear Materials Authority, including exploration, extraction, separation and manufacturing studies. Both sides stressed the importance of identifying appropriate mechanisms for cooperation and expediting the necessary technical and feasibility studies.
The discussions further extended to cooperation in renewable energy, particularly solar and wind power, energy storage systems and the expansion of clean energy solutions.
Both parties underscored that the meeting reflects the longstanding and distinguished partnership between Egypt and China, as well as their shared commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and expanding cooperation across energy sectors in support of sustainable development goals.
Esmat affirmed that the ministry and its affiliated entities are keen to open new avenues for serious and sustainable cooperation with global companies that possess advanced expertise, in order to add value to the national economy, localise industry and enhance local content.
He praised NORINCO’s technical capabilities and achievements in the exploration, development, production and trade of oil resources, minerals, underground raw materials and rare elements, highlighting the company’s success in implementing large-scale projects in several countries.
For his part, Cheng Defang expressed NORINCO’s interest in expanding its presence in the Egyptian market and confirmed the company’s readiness to cooperate with the ministry and its affiliated entities on joint projects.
