Soda ash project with China key to Egypt’s industrial self-sufficiency
El-Sisi voiced confidence in China’s TCC company to implement the project “efficiently and in line with the highest international standards,” according to a statement from the presidency.
The remarks came during a meeting in Cairo with Mo Dingge, chairman of the China National Chemical Engineering Group Corporation (CNCEC), attended by Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly and Petroleum Minister Karim Badawi. CNCEC Vice Chairman Wu Xiangong and TCC Chairman Guo Guihe were also present.
Presidential spokesman Mohamed El-Shennawy said El-Sisi praised Egyptian-Chinese relations and reaffirmed Cairo’s commitment to deepening economic and investment cooperation with Beijing and its major firms.
He also stressed that the state would facilitate implementation of the soda ash project, which aims to strengthen the petrochemicals sector and cut reliance on imported raw materials.
Mo Dinghe reviewed CNCEC’s experience in petrochemicals and expressed interest in expanding investments in Egypt. El-Sisi welcomed the proposal, noting incentives available to foreign investors and Egypt’s efforts to attract more direct investment in strategic industries.
Egypt's first soda ash complex
The project, led by TCC and CNCEC in partnership with Egyptian entities, will be the country’s first integrated soda ash production complex.
The compound chemical, also known as sodium carbonate, is a key input for glass, detergents, paper, and fertilizer manufacturing, industries that currently rely almost entirely on imports.
Egypt’s annual demand for soda ash is estimated at 300,000 to 400,000 tonnes, all imported, at a cost of millions of dollars in foreign currency each year. The new facility is expected to help meet domestic demand, boost exports and enhance Egypt’s role as a regional petrochemicals hub.
The initiative falls under Egypt’s National Petrochemical Strategy 2040, which seeks to localize high-value chemical industries, attract foreign investment and expand production for both local and international markets.
The meeting also comes amid growing Chinese investment in Egypt, particularly in energy, manufacturing and infrastructure.
CNCEC, one of China’s largest engineering and industrial conglomerates, has undertaken major chemical and refinery projects across the region. TCC specializes in soda ash and chemical materials, with operations in several countries.