The Fez-Meknes region is preparing to launch a permanent fair dedicated to local crafts. This project, the result of a collaboration between several actors, aims to promote traditional professions, stimulate innovation and strengthen the tourist attractiveness of the region.
The Fez-Meknes region is preparing to host a major project which promises to boost the local craft sector through the creation of a permanent regional fair dedicated to traditional trades. This project, part of a specific agreement, is the result of a collaboration between the Ministry of Tourism, Crafts and Social and Solidarity Economy, the Fez-Meknes Region, the Wilaya of Fez- Meknes, the Chamber of Crafts and the Al Omrane Fès-Meknes company.
According to the president of the Chamber of Crafts, Naji Fakhari, the main objective of this project is to create a permanent exhibition and sales space for artisans in the region. This show, according to him, will highlight the richness and diversity of local artisanal know-how, while offering artisans a lasting commercial outlet.
The project also aims to stimulate innovation and creativity in the sector, by encouraging exchanges between artisans, designers and idea bearers. In addition, it will contribute to the tourism promotion of the region, by offering visitors an immersion in the fascinating world of Moroccan craftsmanship.
A center of attraction in the making
The show will be set up on the site of the former headquarters of the National Seed Marketing Company (SONACOS) in Fez. This strategic choice will make it possible to rehabilitate an existing building and give it a new purpose, in line with the economic and cultural development of the region.
The project provides for the development of several spaces, including exhibition stands, demonstration workshops, a sales area, as well as administrative and logistical spaces.
Abderrahim Belkhayat, regional director of crafts in Fez, highlighted the strategic location of the fair, which will be located near the Trades and Skills Center (CMC) and the future convention center. This synergy between the three structures will create a major center of attraction for the city of Fez and its region.
A project worth 50 MDH before 2027
The overall cost of the project is estimated at 50 MDH, including 42.5 MDH by the Fez-Meknes Region, 4.5 MDH by the Ministry of Tourism, Crafts and the Social and Solidarity Economy, and 3 MDH by the Chamber of Crafts. The Al Omrane Fès-Meknes company, as delegated project owner, will be responsible for carrying out the work which must be completed in 2027.
The agreement provides for a precise timetable for the payment of contributions from each partner, as well as a mechanism for monitoring and controlling the use of funds. Management of the show will be entrusted to the Chamber of Crafts, which will be responsible for its operation, animation and maintenance. It will also ensure the selection of exhibiting craftsmen, according to criteria of quality, originality and representativeness of the different trades.
It will also put in place a program of activities and events to energize the show and attract a large audience. The agreement provides for the creation of a steering and technical committee, made up of representatives of the various partners, who will be responsible for supervising the implementation and management of the project.
Craftsmanship on the front line for the World Cup
This project is of particular importance in the current context, marked by preparations for the World Cup. As Abderrahim Belkhayat pointed out, the main projects planned in the craft sector are now of an urgent nature.
The creation of the permanent regional craft fair in Fez-Meknes is fully part of this dynamic and will contribute to strengthening the attractiveness of Morocco as a tourist and cultural destination. The show will, according to him, promote Moroccan artisanal heritage, a major asset for the country’s influence on an international scale.
Mehdi Idrissi / ECO Inspirations
