Rédaction Africa Links 24 with MENA
Published on 2024-03-25 10:36:03
In a recent video-conferencing meeting with members of the Egyptian communities in Japan and South Korea, Minister of State for Emigration Affairs Soha al-Gendi emphasized the importance of constantly updating the database of Egyptian expatriates and integrating them into the country’s soft power initiatives to leverage their expertise and involve them in the ongoing development process in Egypt. This meeting was part of the “An Hour with the Minister” initiative, which aims to strengthen expats’ connections to their homeland and address any challenges they may face.
Minister al-Gendi highlighted the significance of Egyptian expatriates as essential pillars of national security and expressed the ministry’s commitment to strengthening their ties with Egypt and utilizing their knowledge in various fields. She announced the establishment of a scientific committee comprised of intellectual property experts from the Egyptian communities in Japan and South Korea, along with experts from other countries, to collaborate with the ministry’s Council of Experts and Scholars and the Council of Young Experts and Scientists at the MEDSI Center. The committee’s main objective is to devise strategies to safeguard intellectual property rights in Egypt.
Furthermore, Minister al-Gendi affirmed the ministry’s readiness to listen to the valuable proposals and ideas put forth by expats, as well as reviewed the incentives provided by the ministry in collaboration with Egyptian ministries and state institutions to support expats. She highlighted initiatives such as the expat car import program, which has been extended until April 28, 2024. Additionally, she discussed the establishment of an investment company exclusively for Egyptian expatriates, managed by experienced expats without any state interference. Expats will have the opportunity to purchase shares in the joint-stock company, which will operate across various sectors including agriculture, tourism, and industry. The founding members and board of the company have already been appointed, along with legal and financial advisory teams.
Egyptian Ambassador to Japan, Mohamed Abu Bakr, commended the distinguished Egyptian community in Japan, comprising numerous academics and experts. He noted the exchange of knowledge between Egyptian scholars in Japan and those in Egypt, highlighting the potential for increased tourism if regular flights were to be established between the two countries. Meanwhile, Egypt’s Ambassador to South Korea, Khaled Abdel Rahman, emphasized the open-door policy of Egyptian embassies worldwide and the strong connection between the Egyptian community in South Korea and their homeland. He advocated for the introduction of a regular flight service between Seoul and Cairo to facilitate travel and enhance bilateral relations.
Overall, the meeting underscored the government’s commitment to engaging with and empowering Egyptian expatriates, recognizing their vital role in contributing to Egypt’s development and prosperity. Through collaborative efforts and initiatives, the ministry aims to harness the knowledge and skills of expats for the benefit of the country as a whole.
Read Original article on Egypt Independent
