CAIRO－Chinese exports are among cultural products that bring joy to Egyptians and Muslims in the Middle East during the holy fasting month of Ramadan, said the secretary-general of the Egyptian-Chinese Chamber of Commerce.

During a recent interview with Xinhua News Agency, Diaa Helmy applauded the increase in Chinese exports of Ramadan-related cultural products such as lanterns and toys to Egypt, helping to bring cheer during the holy month.

Yiwu, a small commodity production hub in East China's Zhejiang province, is famous for exporting Ramadan lanterns, toys and prayer rugs, which are very popular in Egypt and other Middle Eastern countries during Ramadan.

Noting that cultural and commercial exchanges between Egypt and China are important and necessary for bilateral ties, Helmy said Yiwu's exports of Ramadan products have strengthened the two countries' relations. "The Egyptian-Chinese trade balance witnessed a significant rise and great qualitative change in the past five years, as Egyptian imports became not limited to consumer goods only, but extended to include components for the national industry, as well as tools production," Helmy said.

He pointed out that Egypt-China relations are at a historic high, as the total trade volume between the two countries increased to $19.98 billion last year and China remains Egypt's largest trade partner.

Exports on rise

Both Egypt and China saw exports to each other rise, the official added, describing this as a good trend in improving trade balance.

Despite global challenges, Helmy said the recovery of the Chinese economy is very encouraging and reflects the farsighted strategic planning of the Chinese government.

According to data released last week by the National Bureau of Statistics, China's GDP grew 4.8 percent year-on-year in the first quarter. The growth rate was higher than the increase in the fourth quarter last year and outstripped market expectations.

Helmy said the recovery encourages China to pump up more direct investments abroad, and Egypt is cooperating with China on mega projects. "This supports cooperation between the two sides, whether in investment or trade exchange, for the benefit of the two countries," he said.