Chinese construction crews are at the heart of the ongoing construction of a landmark building in the Central Business District (CBD) of Egypt’s new administrative capital. As many Chinese families pause to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival, dozens of Chinese workers have remained on site, helping finish interiors, coordinate safety training, and ensure high standards of construction.
The project is being built by the China State Construction Engineering Corporation (CSCEC) and includes five residential towers, office blocks, hotels, and the Iconic Tower, currently the tallest skyscrapers in Africa.
Hu Yingdong, a foreman with CSCEC, emphasized that the Egyptian and Chinese workers collaborate closely. Chinese experts are sharing technical standards, quality control practices, and newer construction innovations with their Egyptian counterparts. “In life, we’ve built deep friendships, helping one another like brothers,” Hu said.
Environmental and design efficiency is also at the forefront. The project features solar panels, wastewater reuse systems, and Chinese innovations like chute technology which help streamline processes such as concrete pouring. These features aim to reduce environmental impact while maintaining schedule and quality.
Economically, the CBD construction has generated tens of thousands of jobs for locals, and the mentor-apprentice relationships being formed are fostering skills transfer that will help Egypt’s construction industry long after the project is completed.
The project is viewed as a beacon of Egypt-China cooperation, reflecting shared ambitions under Egypt’s Vision 2030 and China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Though substantial challenges like material cost inflation and supply chain disruptions have emerged, the steady progress underscores resilience and mutual commitment.
