Education, peace were key to rebuild: Japanese ambassador

CAIRO - 12 November 2018: Japanese Ambassador to Egypt Masaki Noke said that his country’s experience with rebuild was shaped by education and peace adding that what differentiates his country’s schools is that they focus on personality building paying attention to mind, intellect, and body.

Noke told Egypt Today he was raised knowing that his country’s natural resources are limited so its people must “make more effort, and not wage war.”

Egyptian-Japanese Ties

The ambassador stated that Japan gives emphasis on “training and capacity building” when it comes to its cooperation with Egypt on development. He said that Japanese experts have also been invited to conduct studies and formulate proposals for quality enhancement.

Noke revealed that cooperation includes high education as well. Egypt has launched an initiative to build 200 “Japanese Schools” adopting the Japanese education system. Thirty-five schools have started operation in the current academic year while 12 pilot schools started three years ago.

The ambassador said that Egypt and Japan have good relations but can do more highlighting that Egypt is a major country in Africa and the Middle East. He stated that the visit by President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi to Tokyo was the first by an Egyptian leader in 17 years.

Noke explained that Japan is eager to focus on peace, security, development, and education in its relations with Egypt. He added that the role of the Japanese private sector in the country has to increase.

Japanese Investments

The ambassador stated that there are roughly 50 Japanese companies investing in Egypt and that the trade volume between Egypt and Japan is 100 billion yen. He added that the size of Japanese investments doubled since 2011 recording $93 million in 2017.

The ambassador suggests that Egypt should further improve the business environment like lowering tariffs on components needed in the manufacturing sector. He stated, however, that Japan has a positive view of the economic reform like floatation, energy subsidies reduction, and establishing free zones.

Noke explained that Japanese firms have become interested in investing in Egypt but they still need a “clear signal regarding the economy’s direction” and “the advantages and disadvantages of investment in Egypt.

The ambassador said that he and Japanese businesspeople met with Minister of Finance Mohamed Moeit on Nov.11. He stated that they realize that the New Investment Bill is good but the implementation is the challenge.

The Japanese ambassador concluded that “a stable and prosperous Egypt is crucial for the region, the world, and Japan.” Both countries are currently cooperating in the construction of the Suez Canal Peace Bridge and the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM).