** #4 Burgeoning relationship with Beijing is “win-win” for Cairo: Egypt’s ties with China have been taking strides since 2014, when the two countries signed a strategic agreement to boost trade, investment, and political ties as President Abdel Fattah El Sisi began looking to diversify Egypt’s allies, Heba Saleh writes for the Financial Times. Since then, Chinese tourists and investment have been flowing into Egypt, making both countries happy as Beijing pushes its Belt and Road initiative and Cairo attracts investment for major infrastructure projects. “There are economic powers who have the ability to help us but not the desire, and others who have the desire but not the ability,” said Mostafa Ibrahim, deputy head of the China committee in the Egyptian Businessmen’s Association. “China tops the list of those who have both the ability and the desire.” China also serves as the perfect kind of friend for Egypt in that — unlike the US and Europe — it remains unconcerned with rights issues and maintains a “policy of non-interference in other countries’ affairs,” Saleh notes.

Also in the China file this morning: Chinese electric car manufacturers see Egypt as a market with potential, according to China Daily. The drive to for EVs is being led by Darshal, the local agent of China’s Dongfeng and Vasworld Power. The Egyptian market “has a great potential with its high purchasing power and unique location as a gateway to Africa and the Arab countries,” said Vasworld Power CEO Wang Li. “Wang said now is the right time to enter the Egyptian market and prepare to reap benefits of the Belt and Road Initiative and the close ties between Egypt and China.”

Saleh’s piece anchors a package from the FT headlined New Trade Routes: Arab World. Other entries include:

• Turkish Abraaj bosses to team up with western manager: Canada’s Brookfield expected to buy unit amid investor nervousness on emerging markets
• Djibouti row with DP World embodies power struggle: Ethiopia’s reforming new leader shakes up regional dynamics
• Rosneft’s KRG oil and gas play angers Baghdad: Kremlin-controlled oil major ignores political obstacles to throw KRG $3.5bn lifeline
• Moscow and Riyadh tie up much of the global oil market: Oil partnership opens way to arms deals and expanded Mideast role for Putin
• Syria-Jordan border opening boosts trade: Lebanese traders hope to reconnect with markets in the Gulf as land routes open up