Sino-Egyptian economic cooperation enters a new phase

Complete Guide to Investment Certification Process for Companies in China and Hong Kong

📅 2026/9/4 📍 Cairo · Beijing

Gongshitong | Global Notarization & Authentication

“From the banks of the Nile to the Suez Canal, China-Egypt comprehensive strategic partnership enters a new "golden decade." President Xi Jinping's visit to Egypt after a decade has signed multiple cooperation agreements, injecting strong momentum into trade and investment between the two nations.”

On the evening of 2026/9/1 local timePresident Xi Jinping arrived in Cairo by special aircraft at the invitation of Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi for a state visit. This marks his first trip to this land along the Nile in 10 years, coinciding with the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Egypt.

On 9 month 2 day, leaders of the two countries held talks at the Sun Palace in Cairo, jointly witnessing the signing of multiple documents on building the "Belt and Road" initiative, artificial intelligence, trade and economy, industrial and supply chain cooperation, and issued the Joint Statement by the People's Republic of China and the Arab Republic of Egypt on Further Deepening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. During the visit, both sides also signed more than 20 cooperation documents in areas including digital economy, technology, education, and transportation.

📊 China-Egypt Cooperation: An Outstanding Track Record
China has been Egypt's largest trading partner for 14 consecutive years. Bilateral goods trade reached a record high of approximately 208 billion USD in 2025, up 19.6% year-on-year. In the first half of 2026, bilateral trade further increased to about 113 billion USD, with Egyptian exports to China surging by approximately 199.8%.

Signature ProjectsThe Sino-Egyptian Tianjin Eco-Industrial Park has attracted over 200 enterprises, with cumulative investments ranging from 38 to 47 billion USD. It has directly created more than {30,000} jobs and fostered industrial clusters in new building materials, oil equipment, and new energy, becoming a model for the Belt and Road Initiative. Chinese companies are also deeply involved in major projects such as the Central Business District of the New Administrative Capital (including the African Tower, the tallest building in Africa), suburban rail lines in 10th of Ramadan City, photovoltaic manufacturing, and tire production.

Both parties agree to expand investments in the Suez Canal Corridor Economic Belt and launch Phase III of relevant industrial parks. Collaboration in emerging sectors is accelerating, including data centers, semiconductors, critical mineral supply chains, green energy, electric vehicles, and artificial intelligence.

📄 Investing in Egypt: Notarization and Consular Legalization of Documents Are Essential

Chinese and Hong Kong companies investing in Egypt to establish a company, branch, open a bank account, or complete related procedures typically need to submit corporate registration documents, articles of association, powers of attorney (POA), board resolutions, etc. Since Egypt is not covered by the simplified path under the Hague Apostille Convention for these cases, these documents generally require"Notarization + Authentication" dual procedure, ensuring legal validity in Egypt (final Arabic translation and local certification in Egypt are still required).

🇨🇳 I. Document Processing Procedure for Mainland China Companies (Dual Authentication)

Step 1

Notarization in China

Submit original copies of the business license, articles of association, identification documents for shareholders/directors, and power of attorney to a notary public with foreign-related certification qualifications. After verifying authenticity, the notary will issue a notarized certificate (typically including an English or designated language translation). Ensure the certificate explicitly states that the documents are authentic.

Step 2

Certified by China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs or local foreign affairs office

Submit the notarized document to the Consular Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or its authorized local foreign affairs office for verification of the notary seal and signature authenticity.

Step 3

Egyptian Embassy and Consulates in China: Legalization of Consular Documents

After completing the Chinese certification, submit the documents to the Egyptian Embassy in Beijing or the Consulate General in Shanghai (for files from Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Anhui, Shanghai, etc.). The embassy will verify the authenticity of the Chinese certification seal. Required: original documents, copies, and application materials. Note that commercial document certification fees are relatively high, and processing typically takes several business days (expedited service available).

✅ Once completed, the document can be sent to Egypt for translation into Arabic by a locally recognized translation agency. Depending on requirements, further authentication may be needed from the Egyptian Ministry of Justice or relevant authorities before use. Allow extra time for the entire process.15-30 business daysEngaging a professional agency can improve efficiency.

🇭🇰 II. Procedure for Processing Hong Kong Company Documents

Hong Kong file paths differ from mainland China's, relying primarily on Hong Kong International Notaries and the High Court:

Step 1

Notarization by the Hong Kong International Notary Public

A Hong Kong-qualified International Notary Public witnesses the director's signing of documents such as letters of authorization, verifies identity and authority, and issues a notarized document or supplementary declaration. Commonly notarized documents include the Certificate of Incorporation, Business Registration Certificate, Articles of Association, latest Annual Return, Letter of Authorization, and directors' passports.

Step 2

Hong Kong High Court Endorsement / Authentication

Submit the notarized document to the Higher Court Authentication Office to verify the notary's credentials and obtain an additional signature.

Step 3

Egypt Consular Authentication in Hong Kong

Submit documents authenticated by the High Court to the Egyptian Consulate General in Hong Kong for final consular legalization. In some cases, an Apostille may be used (if applicable), but Egypt typically requires full consular legalization for commercial documents.

✅ Upon completion, Arabic translation and local notarization are also required in Egypt. When signing key documents such as the power of attorney, Hong Kong directors typically must appear in person; fully remote representation is not permitted, so advance planning is essential.

💡 Tips & Suggestions

📌 Plan Ahead
The certification process can be lengthy. We recommend initiating document preparation early in the project initiation phase to avoid delays in company registration or account opening.

📌 Material Completeness
Ensure files are up-to-date and information is consistent; translations must be performed by Egypt-recognized agencies.

📌 Professional Assistance
Engage a law firm or certification agent familiar with China-Egypt bilateral business to reduce the risk of rejection.

📌 Policy Updates
Stay updated with the Chinese Embassy and Consulates in Egypt, GAFI (General Authority for Investment and Free Zones), and the latest bilateral cooperation agreements. Under zero-tariff policies and new supply chain opportunities, compliant documentation is your entry ticket.

On the occasion of the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Egypt, President Xi Jinping's visit has injected new momentum into bilateral cooperation. From industrial parks along the Suez Canal to growing trade figures, the story of mutual benefit and win-win outcomes between China and Egypt continues to unfold. For Chinese enterprises, seizing opportunities while diligently completing compliance procedures such as document notarization and authentication is essential for sustainable growth and shared development gains.

Data synthesized from Xinhua News Agency, China Customs, Egypt's CAPMAS, and public official reports; subject to the latest official announcements.

— This article is for informational purposes only. For specific notary and authentication matters, please consult customer service. —