A worker works at a construction site of the Central Business District (CBD) project in the new administrative capital on the outskirts of Cairo, Egypt, on Oct. 5, 2025. (Photo by Li Binghong/Xinhua)

CAIRO, Oct. 7 (Xinhua) -- As many Chinese families were celebrating the traditional Mid-Autumn Festival, a group of Chinese builders were working on the Central Business District (CBD) in Egypt's new administrative capital on the outskirts of Cairo.

Festivities were in full swing back home, yet the Chinese workers chose to stay on site at the 20-skyscraper CBD, coordinating on-site tasks, finishing interiors, and getting the skyscrapers that will soon define Egypt's future skyline ready for final handover.

Hu Yingdong, a foreman with China State Construction Engineering Corporation (CSCEC), said his work involves organizing daily safety training, assigning on-site tasks, and assisting supervisors with inspections and approvals.

"At work, Chinese workers share technical experience and standards with our Egyptian colleagues to improve quality and efficiency. In life, we've built deep friendships, helping one another like brothers," Hu told Xinhua.

The CBD consists of 10 office buildings, five residential towers, four large hotels, and the 385.8-meter-tall Iconic Tower, the tallest skyscraper in Africa.

For the workers, the project embodies China-Egypt friendship and reflects the builders' commitment to excellence in technology, quality, and environmental protection.

For instance, the introduction of Chinese chute technology ensured a safe and efficient concrete pouring process; Wastewater was purified and reused; Solar panels installed on the rooftops enabled renewable energy to meet part of the power demand.

The project has generated tens of thousands of local jobs, boosted the capabilities of Egyptian workers, and nurtured strong mentor-apprentice ties between Chinese and Egyptian staff.

"What touched me most," Hu said, "was that whenever a Chinese employee's contract ended and he was returning home, several of his Egyptian apprentices would rush from the construction site to bid him a heartfelt farewell."

The CBD is a landmark project under the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which pursues joint development among participating nations.

Launched in 2018, the project has weathered a series of challenges over the years, from the COVID-19 pandemic and global shipping disruptions to local currency fluctuations and rising material costs. Despite these hurdles, the project has continued to advance steadily, thanks to the ongoing efforts of both Chinese and Egyptian teams working side by side.

"The high standards of the project are the result of the workers' dedication and hard work," said Li Fang, a section head at the CBD project, who has taken part in the entire construction process. "Every difficulty we faced was an opportunity for growth," he added.

When the project encountered unstable supply chains and soaring material prices, Li worked closely with supervisors to coordinate supplier changes and sent experienced technicians to new factories to oversee production, ensuring that all materials met quality standards.

"The project has had a significant positive impact on Egypt's construction industry. It has brought remarkable changes -- from training local workers and upgrading infrastructure to introducing innovative solutions," said Ahmed El-Banna, the CBD project manager from international consulting company Dar Al-Handasah.

"Working with the Chinese team has been deeply inspiring, and I hope to continue advancing this project so it becomes one of Egypt's most influential and largest," the Egyptian manager told Xinhua.

For Huang Changbiao, deputy general manager of CSCEC Egypt, the project stands as "a model of deep integration between China's BRI and Egypt's Vision 2030."

"It represents a shining example of Chinese construction along the Belt and Road," he said, adding that about 5,000 Chinese and Egyptian workers will continue striving to complete Egypt's new landmark as soon as possible. ■

Workers work at a construction site of the Central Business District (CBD) project in the new administrative capital on the outskirts of Cairo, Egypt, on Oct. 5, 2025. (Photo by Li Binghong/Xinhua)

Workers work at a construction site of the Central Business District (CBD) project in the new administrative capital on the outskirts of Cairo, Egypt, on Oct. 5, 2025. (Photo by Li Binghong/Xinhua)

Workers work at a construction site of the Central Business District (CBD) project in the new administrative capital on the outskirts of Cairo, Egypt, on Oct. 5, 2025. (Photo by Li Binghong/Xinhua)

A worker works at a construction site of the Central Business District (CBD) project in the new administrative capital on the outskirts of Cairo, Egypt, on Oct. 5, 2025. (Photo by Li Binghong/Xinhua)

This photo taken on Oct. 5, 2025 shows a view of the Central Business District (CBD) project in the new administrative capital on the outskirts of Cairo, Egypt. (Photo by Li Binghong/Xinhua)

This photo taken on Oct. 5, 2025 shows a view of the Central Business District (CBD) project in the new administrative capital on the outskirts of Cairo, Egypt. (Photo by Li Binghong/Xinhua)