Radio ExpressTV
Live
Follow-Up
Lahcen Saadi, the State Secretary responsible for traditional crafts and social and solidarity economy, confirmed that the traditional crafts sector plays a pivotal role, especially in rural areas, in integrating key segments of society, particularly women and actors in the social and solidarity economy. He noted that these groups often find themselves excluded from several public programs aimed at other demographics.
During a parliamentary session on Monday evening, Saadi explained that the responsibility lies with everyone, especially the government, to support and empower these groups. He commented that current efforts remain insufficient, necessitating a collective conviction about the importance of providing cooperatives with tangible financial support and ensuring their access to work and production spaces.
The government official indicated that women currently make up about 34 percent of the workforce in the traditional crafts sector, particularly in rural areas, adding that the national registry includes nearly 90,000 female artisans.
Saadi reported that during the current government term, several exhibitions have been organized, providing spaces for artisans and cooperatives, with transactions at some of these events reaching approximately 200 million dirhams.
Despite these efforts, he believes the sector still requires further intensification, particularly in marketing, emphasizing that this year has seen an increase in the organization of exhibitions and efforts to connect professional chambers with foreign markets. Agreements have also been signed with major retailers for the marketing of traditional craft products.
Saadi stressed that electronic marketing is a fundamental area that requires intensified efforts, given the expectations of stakeholders in this field, reaffirming the commitment to continue developing it.
Regarding enhancing the competitiveness of Moroccan traditional products, the official noted that these products face strong competition, especially from countries that heavily support their products. He mentioned that Morocco is moving in the same direction by supporting artisans, whether they work individually or are part of cooperatives or enterprises.
He noted that this year, stakeholders have been supported through financial integration, allowing them to benefit from banking offers, as part of partnerships with financial institutions involved in this initiative.
Saadi revealed that the Dar Souiri Foundation supports producers and exporters, noting that exports from the traditional crafts sector achieved a record 1.23 billion dirhams this year, marking an over 11 percent growth compared to the previous year. He pointed out that the ministry is also working on improving the quality of raw materials and developing collective quality marks and certifications.
He added that the sector has been integrated into the export roadmap and the investment charter, particularly benefiting very small, small, and medium-sized enterprises, with the aim of empowering stakeholders to strengthen their competitiveness against foreign products.
In this context, Saadi emphasized the importance of air transport, considering that the revival of the tourism sector directly impacts the status of artisans, affirming continued coordination in this area.
Regarding the issue of craft neighborhoods, Saadi explained that many crafts, such as metalworking and carpentry, are sometimes classified as disruptive trades, despite being honorable professions. However, their presence in residential areas poses real challenges for both artisans and residents.
He confirmed that establishing craft neighborhoods has become an urgent necessity, but their realization requires genuine partnerships with elected councils, particularly concerning the provision of land. He announced a budget of nearly 830 million dirhams for establishing these neighborhoods in various regions of the kingdom.
Saadi concluded by stressing that the success of this initiative depends on local actors’ engagement, highlighting that the primary objective is to provide artisans with a suitable workspace while maintaining the aesthetic appeal of cities and neighborhoods, ensuring appropriate conditions for everyone.
