Egypt sees broad prospects for water-management cooperation with China: minister

CAIRO, Egypt — Egypt sees significant potential for expanding cooperation with China in water management, Egyptian Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation Hani Sewilam said Sunday.

Egyptian Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation Hani Sewilam

Speaking at a press conference in Cairo, Sewilam said China’s advanced technologies and extensive experience in water-resource management could support Egypt’s efforts to modernize the sector and improve the efficiency of water use.

“China has a lot to offer,” Sewilam said, pointing to China’s technological capabilities and practical experience in areas including water conservation, digital monitoring and the development of modern irrigation systems.

He added that strong support from the leadership of both countries had created favorable conditions for deeper cooperation between Egypt and China.

A Chinese delegation is expected to attend Cairo Water Week in October, providing an opportunity for officials and experts from the two countries to discuss potential areas of collaboration, Sewilam said.

He added that Egypt was working to establish broader channels for dialogue and cooperation with Chinese institutions and companies in the water sector.

Egypt is one of the world’s most water-scarce countries. According to Sewilam, more than 98 percent of the country’s renewable water resources originate outside its borders, making the efficient management and protection of available supplies a national priority.

The minister said Egypt was pursuing a range of measures to address the challenge, including the digital transformation of the water sector and the adoption of advanced technologies.

These efforts are intended to improve monitoring, reduce waste, enhance irrigation efficiency and support more informed decision-making in the management of the country’s water resources.

Egypt has also been seeking to strengthen international partnerships as it faces growing pressure from population growth, climate change and rising demand for water from agriculture, industry and households.