** Towards a cultural and economic dialogue between Egypt and Japan: the great Egyptian museum at the heart of exchanges **
The recent visit to Sherif Fathy, the Egyptian Minister for Tourism and Antiquities, in Tokyo, not only underlines the historical links between Egypt and Japan, but also the growing impact of the cultural sector on the overall economic development of the two nations. While the Minister meets Tanaka Akihiko, President of the Japanese Agency for International Cooperation (JICA), the exchange on cooperation for the great Egyptian museum (GEM) is transformed into a promising platform for the strengthening of bilateral relations through art, heritage and tourism.
### A common heritage in evolution
The initiatives undertaken by the JICA to help the creation and exploitation of the GEM reveal a unique collaborative approach that combines technical expertise and financial support. This museum, whose full opening is scheduled for July 3, is about to become a point of convergence for art and history lovers around the world. With an influx forecast of 13,000 to 15,000 visitors per day, the GEM could rise to the rank of the greatest tourist attractions, strengthening both the local economy and the international interest in Egyptian civilization.
By examining the figures, we note that the current daily attendance of 5,000 visitors testifies to increasing popularity. In comparison, the Louvre museum in Paris, one of the world leaders in traffic, recorded around 9.6 million visitors in 2022, or nearly 26,000 visitors per day. These data highlight the potential that the GEM has to attract an international audience, especially if it manages to offer an immersive and educational experience unparalleled.
### An innovative approach to cultural tourism
The opening of the GEM intervenes at a time when travel trends evolve towards an increasing taste for authentic cultural experiences. Visitors no longer seek only to observe, but to interact and understand ancient civilizations. The discussions between Fathy and Akihiko relate to strategies that could transform the GEM into a leading research and study center for Egyptology. This could involve training programs for local staff, but also scholarships for international researchers, thus creating an invaluable collaboration network.
It is interesting to emphasize that this cultural cooperation initiative is not unique in Egypt and Japan. Other nations have also adopted similar strategies, such as Italy and China, which exploit the enormous potential of cultural tourism to stimulate their economy. For example, museums in Italy generate nearly 1.5 billion euros in income per year, proving that investing in culture can lead to significant economic benefits.
### to reinforced cultural diplomacy
The celebration of the “Ramses and the Gold of Pharaohs” exhibition in Tokyo is a reinforced example of cultural diplomacy in action. This event, long awaited by the Japanese public, is not simply an exhibition, but a bridge between the two cultures. By sharing its rich history, Egypt strengthens its status on the international scene, while promoting a broader appreciation of its heritage.
At a time when international cooperation was crucial to global challenges, projects like that of GEM pave the way for a reinforced dialogue between nations. By connecting the ancient heritage to contemporary synergies, Egypt and Japan embody a model of collaboration which goes beyond simple commercial exchange. They show how culture can serve as a catalyst for innovation, progress and peace.
### Conclusion: a promising future
While we prepare for the opening of the large Egyptian museum, expectations are high not only in terms of attendance, but also in terms of socio-economic impact. With the continuous support of international partners such as JICA, Egypt may well establish itself as a major player in global cultural tourism. This model of collaboration between nations offers an inspiring perspective for other countries seeking to energize their cultural heritage while ensuring a sustainable economic future. In the end, the GEM is not just a museum; It is a shared vision between Egypt and Japan for a future where history and culture shape an interconnected world.