Associations/ .Orgs: FAF : Chinese in Egypt

French American Foundation : Immigration Fellowship 

Chinese in Egypt - The Migratory Silk Road 

Reporting and Photography by Kim Badawi 

I began this project in 2011 while working as a foreign freelance correspondent for Western media during the Egyptian uprising. 

While international cameras remained focused on the events of Tahrir Square. I couldn't help but notice a growing demographic of Chinese undocumented workers living in the shadows of Egyptian society while in turn, gradually contributing to local industry and services. 

Whether migrant or immigrant, the Chinese living in Egypt today are not all but all street peddlers and vendors. An elite has slowly begun to emerge trumping a growing working-class, many of whom, have chosen to settle in Egypt, and start families despite China's one child policy. 

Rich with tradition- the Chinese not only bring with them, their distinct culture but a unique outlook on business.  

Apprehensive, by nature, Chinese businesses view Egypt and it's ports of Alexandria and Suez as a gateway to European markets but also as an opportunity to forfill the demand on Africa's natural resources. 

With economic success being the primary reason for Chinese migration to Egypt, these two seemly opposite cultures not only coexist but their partnership is proving to be a fruitful one. 

Despite these tumult times, or so-called "Arab Spring" a cultural dialogue between these two societies is manifest and in practice. 

Examples of this intercultural exchange ranges in beliefs, orientation, and otherwise social and personal interests.  

I hope to further the public's understanding of conditions these immigrants endure in post-revolution Egypt and to show how these individuals and families not only manage to financially sustain themselves but how they have now adapted their customs to life on the African continent.