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China's Middle East Trade Impact Could Be Exaggerated

Edward Yeranian

   CAIRO - China is emphasizing trade cooperation with the Middle East and
   North Africa during the COVID-19 pandemic, but some observers think
   many recent initiatives have been more for show than substance.

   Egyptian media extensively reported on a recent shipment of health care
   and medical equipment from China, suggesting improving economic ties
   between the two countries remains a focus of the Egyptian government.

   Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi has made five trips to China
   since taking office in 2014, and Beijing was Egypt's second largest
   economic partner in 2019 with $10 billion in trade.

   Sisi told a global gathering in Beijing last year that he was anxious
   to visit China due to the importance Egypt gives to the Belt and Road
   initiative, in addition to the joint interests and mutual threats that
   bind the two countries together.

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