Egyptian employee develops 30-year bond with Chinese company

Egypt is a partner of the Belt and Road initiative in Africa, with Chinese companies playing a major part in the process.

Hanan has worked for the Egyptian branch of the China State Construction Engineering Corporation for the past 31 years. She joined the company when she was 22, and has witnessed almost every step of the country's development.

Hanan began her career in the management department of the company after she graduated from Cairo University in 1987. She took a job at the company because of her ambition to learn more about the world outside her country.

"I leant in college that Chinese people are known for their diligence and enthusiasm. Working in a Chinese company was a new experience for me and so I grasped the opportunity."

Hanan (right), an Egyptian employee with the China State Construction Engineering Corporation, talks with a colleague. [Photo: China Plus]

When she started out at the company, she faced an uphill battle dealing with cultural differences and language barriers. But thanks to the help of her Chinese colleagues, the situation gradually changed. Hanan says that's what impressed her most about working at the Chinese company.

"I thought working at the China State Construction Engineering Corporation would be complicated. But my Chinese colleagues kept encouraging me, and that motivated me to work hard."

Hanan has been with the company as it tackled many major projects in Egypt over the years, including the 6th of October City, Sadat City, the Cairo International Convention & Exhibition Centre, and the New Administrative Capital's Central Business District.

Hanan said she's fortunate to have been able to witness the development of these projects from beginning to end by working side-by-side with her colleagues from China.

"Some of my peers in Egypt don't look for job opportunities after they get married. But I made my own decision, and joined China State Construction Engineering Corporation. During this process, I can keep improving myself while I work."

Hanan believes the New Administrative Capital's CBD project that her company is working on will become a new symbol of friendship between the Chinese and Egyptian people.

"The two countries enjoy broad prospects for economic, cultural, and social cooperation. China's support to Egypt, including through the Belt and Road Initiative, contributes to our country's growth and prosperity. "

As Hanan's story shows, the Belt and Road is about more than building bridges and roads. It's also about building ties between peoples.