Egypt plans to leverage its new BRICS membership to advance its culture and tourism sectors.
Egypt’s cultural exploration extends beyond its borders, with an increasing number of Egyptian students immersing themselves in the study of Mandarin at Cairo’s prominent cultural centre and publishing house, Beit El Hekma.
Head of Learning at Beit El Hekma Center, Aya Ibrahim, revealed that since 2019, over 6,000 students of different ages have enrolled in language and translation courses, reflecting a growing passion for learning Chinese.
“There is a passion to learn the Chinese language either as a hobby or for people seeking new jobs,” Ibrahim added.
The center not only teaches Mandarin within Egypt but also spreads the language abroad, reaching countries like Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Yemen, and Algeria through online courses.
WATCH: Egypt, BRICS Culture exchange
Economic opportunities and cultural exchange
With an eye on economic opportunities, young Egyptians learning Mandarin see avenues opening up in translation, guiding Chinese tourists, and academic roles.
Ahmed Ali, a Mandarin language student, highlighted the demand for translators due to the presence of Chinese investors and a burgeoning Chinese delegation in Egypt.
He also pointed out the growing number of Chinese tourists as an opportunity for employment.
Chairman of the Chinese Arab Commercial and Cultural Exchange Council, Adel Moslemany, commended Egypt’s open approach to culture.
“Egypt is very open in culture. We have cultural delegations to different countries and cultural consulates in Beijing, Delhi, and Moscow, carrying Egyptian culture to other nations,” Moslemany said.
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Strengthening cultural ties
The report outlines Egypt’s comprehensive strategy, initiated in 2022, to explore and strengthen cultural ties within the BRICS group.
Key initiatives include establishing Egyptian multicultural centers in BRICS states, signing cultural cooperation protocols, and promoting cultural events, such as the Egypt-Russia People’s Year and the South African Cultural Season in Egypt.
Boosting tourism
Recognising the potential in the tourism sector, Egypt has inaugurated direct routes from Cairo to New Delhi and Brazilian cities.
Moreover, the government has implemented visa-on-arrival policies for Chinese and South African citizens, with consideration for other BRICS-Plus citizens holding valid entry visas from specific countries.
The ambitious goal is to increase annual tourist arrivals from the current 15 million to an impressive 30 million, as outlined in the 2023 report.
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Optimism for the future
Despite the cultural and tourism strategy having commenced in 2022, Egypt is poised to intensify its efforts following its full-fledged BRICS membership.
The government believes that fostering connections with fellow BRICS members will enhance cultural exchange and contribute significantly to Egypt’s economic growth and international standing.
As the country steps onto the global stage with its newfound BRICS alliance, Egypt anticipates a renaissance in its cultural landscape and a surge in tourism, signaling promising times ahead.
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