Egypt’s Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Khaled El-Anani has inaugurated the first factory of archaeological replicas in the country and the Middle East.
The factory, which is located in Obour City, eastern Cairo, has been established in cooperation with the Treasures of Egypt for Archaeological Models company.
The minister described the factory’s opening as an important step that had to be taken, and expressed his pride and great happiness for the completion of this ambitious and successful project.
El-Anani said that construction work on the project began about 18 months ago, and aims to keep pace with the requirements of the local and global market in the manufacture of archaeological models.
Replicas, which will be made by Egyptian artists and specialists boasting extensive experience and competence, will be produced at the highest level and using distinguished technical expertise.
The minister said that the project is not commercial, but rather aims to introduce Egyptian industry to the world. It also aims to contribute to protecting Egyptian cultural heritage and the intellectual property rights of the country’s antiquities.
He added that this comes as part of the work on the state’s strategy for sustainable development and enhancing the utilisation of Egypt’s rich ancient civilisation and archaeological heritage.
It will take place in a way that meets Egypt’s tourism and economic needs, with a positive and unique cultural return and Egyptian identity. It will also work to develop the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities’ material resources and increase national income.
El-Anani noted that every replica produced at the factory bears a special Supreme Council of Antiquities stamp, and an approved certificate stating that it is a counterfeit piece and a true copy and produced by the Ministry.
This is in addition to a barcode, through which all information on this piece can be identified in Arabic and English. The information includes details of materials used, the product’s weight, name and place of display of the original piece, which contributes to protecting the unit’s products from counterfeiting.
The minister said that archaeological reproductions are among the important products that are marketed in the tourism sector, reflecting the importance of these archaeological models and the world’s interest in them.
El-Anani said that the production of such replicas in Egypt comes in response to requests made by tourists, who frequently purchase such items as souvenirs
The Egyptian-made replicas will become valuable souvenirs bearing the Egyptian state stamp, which Egyptians abroad can give as gifts outside the country.
He added that these copies will be made available to various hotels and tourist bazaars at special prices, and that the factory can also manufacture for museums around the world due to the efficiency of the Egyptian workforce.
El-Anani announced that the first official sales outlet for these reproductions will be opened at the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization on 4 April, after the museum officially opens.
The minister said that official sales outlets for these reproductions will be available at museums and markets across Egypt in the near future, which will contribute to promoting Egyptian industry.
He added that some products will also be exported outside Egypt, in addition to their participation in foreign tourism exhibitions.
