In 2005, bilateral trade between China and Egypt reached US$2.145 billion, up 36 percent year on year, China's Ministry of Commerce said Wednesday.

By the end of 2005, 186 Chinese-funded enterprises had been established in Egypt, with an investment volume of US$220 million, according to the ministry.

The bilateral trade volume has doubled in the past two years, and China has considerably increased its investment in Egypt in the areas of textiles, stainless steel, oil drilling, chemicals and telecommunications, according to the Ministry.

(Xinhua News Agency January 26, 2006)