The Egyptian government has initiated a plan to restructure 23 cultural offices abroad, aiming to reduce costs without compromising the quality of services provided to citizens and the education system. This move comes as part of the government's efforts to rationalize public spending and address economic pressures. The cultural offices, affiliated with the Ministry of Higher Education, are spread across various countries and involve significant expenses for salaries, allowances, and rent.
The network of Egyptian cultural representation abroad consists of 23 offices and centers, employing cultural and administrative attachés, as well as local staff. Initial estimates suggest that the average monthly cost for salaries and allowances per office exceeds $35,000, translating to over $805,000 monthly and approximately $9.66 million annually. Nine of these offices operate in rented premises, with estimated monthly rents of $20,000 per location, totaling $180,000 monthly and $2.16 million annually.
The Egyptian government owns cultural offices in 12 countries, including the UK, Italy, and the US. These offices can be restructured by having a single specialized cultural attaché without an independent administrative attaché, with the supervision transferred to the respective embassies. This move is expected to yield significant savings. Additionally, reviewing the number of administrative attachés and utilizing local staff or assigning administrative supervision to embassies can lead to substantial cost reductions.
Estimates indicate that revising the allocations for 12 administrative attachés can save around $170,000 monthly, or $2.04 million annually. Furthermore, providing accommodation for cultural attachés within state-owned premises can save an average of $3,000 monthly per location, resulting in $36,000 monthly and $432,000 annually. Combining these, the total potential savings amount to approximately $386,000 monthly, or $4.63 million annually.
The proposed restructuring does not imply a reduction in Egypt's cultural role abroad but rather a reorganization and development of these offices. The idea of establishing a "digital cultural attaché" system is being considered, enabling students, researchers, and members of Egyptian communities to conduct transactions, follow up on files, and submit applications and complaints electronically.
To ensure efficiency, a periodic review of each office's costs, number of service recipients, and transactions completed will be necessary. Every two years, a comprehensive evaluation will reassess the needs and spending priorities of these offices. Sector of Cultural Missions at the Ministry of Higher Education, in coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is expected to take prompt action to review and restructure these offices.
The Egyptian government aims to save 246 million EGP through these measures. Key steps include merging rented premises into embassies and consulates, redistributing attachés and staff according to actual needs, and setting a timeline for implementation.
Key points
- Egypt plans to save 246 million EGP by restructuring 23 cultural offices abroad.
- The restructuring includes merging rented premises and reducing administrative staff.
- A "digital cultural attaché" system is being considered to enhance service delivery.
