China Petroleum & Chemical Corporation, known as Sinopec, has delivered 1,000 carefully selected books to Cairo University as part of its “Silk Road Book House – China Bookshelf” initiative. This significant contribution aims to deepen cultural exchange between China and Egypt, providing resources that cover a wide range of topics including traditional Chinese culture, finance, economics, management, digital marketing, and Chinese language education.
The book delivery event took place on November 14, 2025, and was attended by notable figures including Lu Chunsheng, Minister Counselor at the Chinese Embassy in Egypt; Yu Yongsheng, Managing Director of Sinopec Group Branding Department; and Prof. Dr. Naglaa Raafat, Dean of the Faculty of Arts at Cairo University. Over 260 faculty members and students were present, highlighting the importance of this initiative in fostering educational and cultural collaboration.
During the ceremony, Lu Chunsheng remarked on the vital role of books in recording and disseminating culture. He stated, “Without cultural encounters and mutual understanding, there can be no mutual learning among civilizations. The sharing of books provides a vital channel for cultural exchange, laying a solid foundation for civilizational dialogue.” His comments underscored the significance of this partnership in strengthening the comprehensive strategic relationship between China and Egypt.
The launch of this initiative follows Sinopec’s earlier donation of books to the Egyptian Chinese University in 2023, illustrating a continued commitment to cultural exchange through literature. Yu Yongsheng emphasized Sinopec’s dedication to social responsibility, noting the company’s efforts to engage in international cooperation across various sectors, including education and cultural development. He mentioned that since 2019, the “Silk Road Book House – China Bookshelf” project has been implemented in eight countries, distributing over 12,000 books in both Chinese and foreign languages.
Prof. Dr. Naglaa Raafat praised the initiative as a significant partnership that not only enhances the resources available to the Faculty of Arts but also serves as a platform for broader cultural exchange. She highlighted the longstanding cooperation between the faculty and Chinese partners, which has included numerous projects related to China. Raafat expressed hope that this event would pave the way for expanded collaboration across various fields, emphasizing the interconnectedness of economic, educational, and cultural exchanges.
As Sinopec continues to support educational initiatives in Egypt, this book donation marks a concrete step towards fostering mutual understanding and shared cultural values between the two nations. The initiative exemplifies how literature can serve as a bridge, enriching the educational landscape and promoting dialogue among civilizations.
