CAIRO -- Wang Yang has encouraged the Chinese companies in Egypt to play a bigger role in deepening the Sino-Egyptian friendship and cooperation.

Wang, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), made the remarks during his meeting on Monday with the representatives from 25 Chinese companies in Egypt, held on the sidelines of his official visit to Egypt.

He hailed the companies for serving as a major bridge for the trade and economic cooperation between China and Egypt.

The representatives, from the companies including China Development Bank, Tianjin Economic-Technological Development Area company, Huawei Technologies, China State Construction Engineering Corporation and China Petrochemical Corporation, briefed Wang on their operations in Egypt and put forward policy advices on promoting the Sino-Egyptian ties.

Wang referred to the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) as an important platform for building a community of shared destiny for mankind, a concept proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Under the concept, China aims to play the role as a builder of world peace and a contributor of global development, Wang said, adding that the BRI has gained wide recognition among the countries, including Egypt, that have joined the initiative.

Proposed by China in 2013, the BRI refers to the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, aiming at building a trade and infrastructure network connecting Asia with Europe and Africa along the ancient Silk Road trade routes to seek common development and prosperity.

Wang expressed the hope that the Chinese companies in Egypt will promote China's image as a responsible great power by presenting a good corporate image, through shouldering social responsibilities, abiding by local laws, respecting local culture and customs, preserving the environment and protecting labor rights.

The CPPCC is ready to work with related authorities in China to improve the policies and regulations that support Chinese companies going global, Wang said.

He also hoped that the Egyptian government would create a more convenient, efficient and favorable investment environment for the Chinese companies in Egypt.

The Chinese representatives pledged to make more contribution to China's development and the Sino-Egyptian friendship by endeavoring to expand their operations in Egypt and enhance the bilateral cooperation.