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Rabat – Morocco’s Ministry of Tourism, Crafts and the Social and Solidarity Economy, signed on Wednesday with key stakeholders three major partnership agreements to strengthen support for artisans and improve the competitiveness of the Moroccan craft sector.
The primary objective of these agreements is to improve the operational efficiency of Moroccan artisans and promote their products in international markets. The agreements, inked in Casablanca by Minister Fatima Zahra Ammor, Director General Tarik Sadik, and Barid Al-Maghrib’s Amin Benjelloun Touimi, are part of a concerted effort to bolster support for artisans during the 8th edition of the National Craft Week (SNA).
One of the agreements focuses on facilitating exports to international markets by implementing preferential pricing strategies for Moroccan artisans. Another significant pact involves the issuance of postage stamps by Barid Al-Maghrib Group, slated to commence in 2024, aimed at showcasing the richness of Moroccan artisanal heritage globally.
Meanwhile, the third agreement, sealed with the World Fair Trade Organization, aims to streamline the export operations of Moroccan artisanal products, thus enhancing their global footprint.
Read also: Moroccan Exports of Handicrafts Increased by 21% in July 2022
The Moroccan artisanal sector has been thriving, reaching a remarkable MAD 984 million ($100 million) by November 2023, signifying a notable 7% surge compared to the previous year.
This sector plays a pivotal role in Morocco’s economy, employing 2.4 million people and contributing 7% to the GDP.
Fez, renowned for its artisanal prowess, harbors 80,000 workshops employing around 200,000 individuals, underscoring the sector’s significance in the city’s labor market.
The Tourism Ministry’s recent initiatives, including the launch of three support programs in collaboration with the Maison de l’Artisan, aim to further galvanize the craft sector.
Focusing on the promotion of local excellence, exporting assistance, and supporting aggregators, these programs seek to enhance production capabilities and bolster international recognition of Moroccan craftsmanship.
The signing of these partnership agreements underscores a collective commitment to fostering the growth and development of Morocco’s artisanal sector, marking a significant step in the promotion of the country’s cultural heritage on the global stage.
