In the aftermath of the terrorist attacks on New York and Washington, China has agreed to cooperate with US demand to launch a comprehensive campaign against terrorism. In the meantime, the Chinese authorities have banned entrance of travelers, including businesspersons, from the various Mideast and Islamic nations.
The 19 countries whose nationals are prohibited from venturing into China are Afghanistan, Algeria, Bahrain, Iraq, Iran, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Syria, UAE, Yemen and Egypt.
A decree of this nature stands to bring about a blow especially to Egyptian-Chinese trade ties, where bilateral exchanges have greatly increased in recent years. Trade volume between China and Egypt stands at approximately $900 million, according the official Egyptian state information service. Of the total figure, Egyptian exports to China stand at 11 percent, reaching $100 million annually.
Many prominent Egyptian businesspersons have already expressed their concern regarding this unfortunate Chinese step, hoping it would be annulled soon.
A Chinese delegation arrived in Cairo for a three-day visit in the beginning of the month for talks with senior officials, including Prime Minister Atif Ubaid and Deputy Prime Minister Yusuf Wali, on ways to promote bilateral ties in the various fields, Al Mesaa reported. — (Mena Report)
© 2001 Mena Report (www.menareport.com)
