(Yicai Global) Dec. 4 -- A unit under China and the world's biggest rolling stock manufacturer CRRC has penned a deal to supply trains for a new railroad in Egypt, marking the firm's first foray into northern Africa as it taps yet another Belt and Road nation.

CRRC Qingdao Sifang signed an agreement with China Railway Group and AVIC International Holding to supply trains for the railroad in Al Ashir min Ramadan, also known as 10th of Ramadan, state-run China News Service reported.

The supplier already exports its products to over 100 countries, including Malaysia, the United States and Indonesia. Many of its destinations are along the route of the Belt and Road Initiative, a grand plan devised by Chinese President Xi Jinping to build a vast network of infrastructure and trade links spanning most of the planet's continents.

The two buyers and Egypt's National Authority for Tunnels agreed last year that the pair would build rail lines and stations and supply related electro-mechanical devices, including rolling stock, for the railroad. The track spans 68 kilometers and 11 stations, connecting Cairo, Al Ashir min Ramadan and the nation's new not-yet-named administrative capital.

Al Ashir min Ramadan is an important satellite city to Cairo was the the location of the first industrial zone that the Egyptian government set up in a desert area. Once the new rail link is complete, it should help relieve congestion in Cairo to benefit around five million residents who commute around 10 cities close to the capital.

CRRC Qingdao Sifang will also offer maintenance services for 12 years, according to the supply contract. The trains are designed to run quietly at 120 kilometers per hour and have six carriages, as well as special sandstorm protection.

Editor: James Boynton