In partnership with the Ministry of Tourism, Handicrafts and Social and Solidarity Economy, the Secretariat of State in charge of Handicrafts and Social and Solidarity Economy, and in collaboration with the territorial community of Beni Mellal and the Regional Directorate of Handicrafts of Beni Mellal, the Beni Mellal-Khénifra Chamber of Handicrafts is organizing the Provincial Salon of Traditional Handicrafts in Beni Mellal under the theme "Traditional Handicrafts: Authentic Heritage and Locomotive of Local Development", from December 25 to 31, 2024. 70 exhibitors representing various regions of the Kingdom are participating in the aforementioned Provincial Salon.
In a statement to ALM, Lahcen Essaadi, Secretary of State to the Minister of Tourism, Handicrafts and Social and Solidarity Economy, in charge of Handicrafts and Social and Solidarity Economy, emphasized that "within the framework of the tours initiated by the Secretariat of State in charge of Handicrafts and Social and Solidarity Economy across the Kingdom, and in the presence of the Wali of the Beni Mellal-Khénifra region and Governor of the province of Beni Mellal, Mohamed Benribag, the President of the Regional Chamber of Handicrafts, elected officials, local authorities... we are proceeding, today, to the inauguration of the Provincial Salon of Traditional Handicrafts in the city of Beni Mellal".
And to add: "It is an occasion that will allow the various cooperatives to make their products known with a view to marketing them at the provincial, regional, national, and international levels. This inauguration will also allow us to inquire about the progress of the rehabilitation works of the traditional handicraft complex in the city of Beni Mellal, which will house the regional directorate of handicrafts, the regional chamber of handicrafts, and a large number of spaces dedicated to cooperatives. Thus, this visit made to the city of Beni Mellal will breathe new dynamic into the handicraft sector at the level of a large number of infrastructures and programs aimed at participating in the development of traditional handicrafts and the social and solidarity economy in application of the High Royal directives. With a budget of 23 million dirhams, this handicraft complex will be built on an area of 5,000 m² and will have a very positive impact on the promotion of handicrafts in this province, which is full of artisanal, agricultural, tourist... potential that is not negligible at the national level".
For her part, an exhibitor stated that the organization of this Traditional Handicraft Salon in Beni Mellal is a great opportunity for cooperatives and artisans who would like to develop their products and highlight their marketing. "The exhibitors came from the province of Beni Mellal, the region, and other cities in Morocco, from Azilal, Fkih Ben Salah, Khouribga, Khénifra... to make their products known and maintain communication with other artisans in order to benefit from their experiences. This commendable initiative, which is an added value for the province of Beni Mellal, will stimulate the local economy and encourage artisans to move forward".
This exhibition, which highlights a large number of artisanal products, focused on leather goods, traditional saddlery, pottery, jewelry, wood engraving... highlighting the great know-how of Moroccan artisans and their skill as well as their great desire to value the sector and preserve the artisanal heritage of the province of Beni Mellal.
