An Egyptian aircraft manufacture company was awarded on Monday a production certificate by a Chinese company, the largest cooperation project between China and Egypt.

The Certificate of Recognition for Phase II of the K-8E aircraft co-production prow was awarded by China National Aero-Technology Import and Export Corporation (CATIC) to Egypt's A.O.I Aircraft Factory in the latter's factory.

On the awarding ceremony, CATIC President Fu Shula said the Egyptian factory has possessed the overall capability of production technology, quality control and production management of the K-8E aircraft.

"It is definitely a remarkable achievement of Egypt's aviation industry, and it is also a significant success of joint efforts by both the countries," he said.

Chinese Ambassador to Egypt Wu Sike, who attended the ceremony, said the two governments attach great importance to the K-8E aircraft project.

In 1999, CATIC, a major foreign trade company in China, signed a contract of 347.4 million US dollars with the Egyptian Defence Department to export 80 K-8E aircraft, a pilot training jet and its production line.

The K-8E aircraft is designed for training missions such as acrobatic, night and spin flights as well as for armament operation training.  

(CRIENGLISH.com August 30, 2005)