The opening ceremony of the exhibition, organised under the theme "Traditional Crafts: Authentic Heritage and a Driver of Local Development", was marked by the presence of the Secretary of State for Traditional Crafts and the Social and Solidarity Economy, Lahcen Saadi, the Wali of the Beni Mellal-Khénifra region, Mohamed Benrabak, elected officials, and representatives of professional organisations and civil society.
The exhibition, organised by the Regional Chamber of Crafts of Beni Mellal-Khénifra, in partnership with the Ministry of Tourism, Handicrafts and the Social and Solidarity Economy - Secretariat of State for Traditional Crafts and the Social and Solidarity Economy, and in collaboration with the Regional Directorate of Traditional Crafts of Beni Mellal-Khénifra, aims to promote traditional craft products, highlight the important role played by Moroccan master craftsmen in preserving the Kingdom's traditional heritage, and stimulate the local economy by strengthening the local economic fabric.
The exhibition showcases the diversity of traditional craft products such as textiles, sewing, traditional embroidery, jewellery, wood carving, pottery, leather goods, traditional saddles, and Zellige tiles, in addition to many other specialities that reflect the skill and expertise of Moroccan masters in the field of traditional crafts.
It also includes stands for other local products for which the Beni Mellal-Khénifra region is famous, such as couscous and saffron.
In a statement to the Moroccan News Agency (MAP), Mr. Saadi praised the potential of the region in terms of cooperatives known for the quality of their craft products, highlighting the excellent work done by women in cooperatives and their valuable contribution to the local economy.
He also affirmed the sincere will of the Secretariat of State, local authorities, and elected bodies to promote the sector by accelerating the implementation of ongoing projects and carrying out new projects and programmes that will benefit traditional craftsmen, recalling in this regard the rehabilitation work of the traditional crafts complex in Beni Mellal, which covers an area of 5,000 square metres, with a budget of 23 million dirhams.
