Egypt was one of the first countries to get on-board the Belt and Road initiative. One of the main focal points of cooperation between China and Egypt is through the upgraded Suez Canal. Our correspondent Yasser Hakim has the details.

In 2014, Egypt has transformed the Suez Canal from a narrow sea channel into a larger transit stop that provides all kinds of maritime services to passing ships. The New Suez Canal, has also been established with the proper infrastructure to make it a regional industrial and trade zone. Its location in the center route of Asia, Africa and Europe allows it to play a pivotal role in the Belt and Road initiative.

SHERIF EL GABALY, CEO INDUSTRIAL EXPORTERS UNION "China is an economic superpower and for Egypt to work with China on the Belt and Road, (it) brings huge dividends for the Egyptian economy. This cooperation has opened the door for multiple investments in various sectors. Transportation, roads, the New Capital and much more, that both sides benefit from."

Aware of its importance, China has invested heavily in the Suez Canal, building a Chinese industrial city. In its first phase in 2015, it has attracted over 80 Chinese factories, pumping $5 billion of investments and employing nearly ten thousand workers. Chinese companies there produce for the local and international markets, including the largest fiberglass factory in the world.

SHERIF EL GABALY, CEO INDUSTRIAL EXPORTERS UNION "The Chinese industries have better opportunities when they operate in Egypt because the location of the Canal is unique, allowing for easy access to markets in Europe, Africa and the Middle East. Egypt also has multiple free trade deals like COMESA in Africa for example, which is good for the belt and Road, to produce locally and export to these countries."

This bilateral success is built on the vision of Chinese President Xi Jinping and the close ties with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi. Five years on, Chinese investments have jumped from 500 million dollars to more than ten billion in the North African country.

YASSER HAKIM CAIRO "But this is not all. China is planning more investments in Egypt making use of the Suez Canal for the Belt and Road initiative. Investments not only in factories, but infrastructure, real estate and renewable energy projects as well. Yasser Hakim, CGTN, Cairo."