China builds the world's largest greenhouses for Egypt

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A Chinese company, China Sinomach Heavy Industry Corporation, is building greenhouses for Egypt to grow vegetables in the desert.

The project is said to be the largest of its kind in construction in the world.

China Sinomach Heavy Industry Corporation is building massive greenhouses for Egypt. /CGTN Photo

Since July, about 80 factories in China have been producing components for the greenhouses as the demand becomes urgent and massive.

“We mobilized almost all resources producing agricultural appliances in China," said Sun Guiheng, the projects's purchase manager. "Many are working around the clock.”

Components of the greenhouses are loaded at Tianjin Port. /CGTN Photo

The 400-million-dollar project agreement was signed between the Chinese company and the Egyptian government in May 2017. It is expected to be completed this year.

The greenhouses are being built in two areas within two hours' drive from Cairo, the Egyptian capital. Each greenhouse is larger than a standard football field. In total, there will be about 3,000, covering an area of 30 square kilometers.

Steel skeletons for the greenhouses. /CGTN photo

Hou Huicong, deputy project manager, has been working on the project from the very beginning in Cairo.

"Each number indicates a cluster of six greenhouses. Each cluster has a control center. The area is near a sub-branch of the Nile, so we'll build ditches to divert the water for the greenhouses," Hou explained.

The construction site in Egypt. /CGTN photo

According to the deal, the company will also provide technical support for installation and planting.

"While we were designing them, we still consulted with Egypt's agricultural experts. These greenhouses will be used to grow vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers, eggplants and color peppers. It’s based on Egypt's market demand and that of surrounding countries," she said.

Each greenhouse is larger than a standard football field. /CGTN photo

Over 90 percent of Egypt is in the desert. The greenhouses will make it possible to plant vegetables on arid land.