Abstract/Summary

As the main East-West trade routes in ancient history, the Silk Roads significantly influenced Chinese relations with Egypt, an important country in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Informed by the history of the Silk Roads, we articulate China’s role in global business history with a focus on identifying key characteristics that underpinned ancient Chinese relations with Egypt. By juxtaposing co-evolution and institutional perspectives as the theoretical framework, our empirical setting comprises the introduction and development of a Chinese overseas industrial park in Egypt. Our findings reveal the salience of the key characteristics with new manifestations associated with Chinese overseas business activity. This study illustrates the impact of co-evolution with institutions on Chinese industrial park development, while reviving China’s global footprint in the context of the Belt and Road Initiative.