Feature: Chinese companies in Egypt put smiles on faces of the needy during Ramadan

Widowed Egyptian Fatma Zaki from Cairo could not hide her happiness after she had a hot meal breaking the long day of fasting on Friday and received a box of foodstuff as a gift from Chinese companies operating in Egypt.

"I'm a mother of seven; three of them have chronic diseases. I really appreciate what the Chinese companies do to the needy here and I thank them for everything they gave to us," the 43-year-old said after she received a box stuffed with rice, cooking oil and dates.

The event was organized by the Chinese Embassy in Egypt and the Chinese Chamber of Commerce, an umbrella group of Chinese firms working in Egypt, in cooperation with the Egyptian Society for Integrated Development to help the needy here during the holy fasting month of Ramadan.

Twenty-seven Chinese firms in Egypt donated around 260,000 Egyptian pounds (about 30,500 U.S. dollars) to carry out this charitable activity that will serve thousands of poor families during the Muslims' holiest month.

During the holy month of Ramadan, Muslims refrain from eating, drinking and other activities in the day. Once the sun sets, fasting is broken with the iftar meal.

A few hours before the iftar time in Cairo's Maadi district, Chinese Ambassador to Cairo Song Aiguo and representatives from Chinese companies started to deliver the gift boxes to hundreds of people.

"I came here to spend the Ramadan with Egyptian people and help with the food and gift delivery. Chinese companies that provided money and labor for this activity are doing a good thing for the Egyptian society and its people, it is kind of social responsibility," Song told Xinhua.

Chinese companies in Egypt have been holding charity banquets during Ramadan since 2012.

The two nations enjoy deep-rooted and strong ties as Egypt was the first Arab and African country to recognize the People's Republic of China, and they have recently elevated their relations to the level of comprehensive strategic partnership.

"I love the Chinese people and this is the common feeling here in Egypt," Fawzi Abu Serei, a retired worker, told Xinhua during the event.

The man explained that the food gift would help his family a lot, adding that he hopes the friendship between the two nations will last forever.

Imam al-Sayyed, a construction worker in his 50s, told Xinhua that this aid is really necessary for a big family like his during the fasting month.

"I have eight children and I came here today to receive some food aid. I have a job but most of my siblings go to universities and schools. I'm very thankful for this support because it helps me a lot amid the tough economic conditions I go through," he said.

After distributing the gift boxes, the Chinese staff started to prepare the charity table and serve the iftar meals for guests.

This charity was so cordial that many Egyptians are motivated to join the Chinese team to assist the food distribution and prepare the iftar meals.

Ahmed, an Egyptian in his 20s, volunteered to carry out some kitchen work with the Chinese team.

"I have my own job, but after work I come here and help. My friends and I have organized a charity group and we mainly work in Maadi. We did not think twice when we heard that the organizers of the event need some volunteers," he said as he prepared the meals.

People help each other during Ramadan, the young man said, adding that he feels "very happy to be part of this charity work." Endi