The wali of the Fez-Meknes region, Mouad El Jamai, called for collective mobilization to revive crafts, a key sector of the regional economy. During the general assembly of the Chamber of Crafts, he outlined the priority areas: modernization, training, digitalization and sustainability, while promoting the role of artisans and women in society.
During the last general assembly of the Chamber of Crafts of the Fez-Meknes region, the wali of the region, governor of the prefecture of Fez, Mouad El Jamai, called for collective mobilization to revive and modernize the craft sector. ‘craftsmanship.
Considered one of the main bastions of craftsmanship in Morocco, the Fez-Meknes region benefits from particular royal attention, which is reflected in a notable development dynamic in recent years.
A sector in full transformation
In his speech, Mouad El Jamai took stock of the achievements accomplished, while outlining the priority areas for the future. Among the major advances, he highlighted the creation and rehabilitation of production and marketing infrastructure, offering artisans modern and secure workspaces.
These projects, particularly as part of the royal restoration programs for the medina of Fez, have made it possible to preserve cultural heritage while improving the working conditions of artisans.
The wali also highlighted the organization of exhibitions and promotional events, which helped to promote artisanal products and broaden their audience. These initiatives have strengthened the visibility of Fez-Meknes crafts, both nationally and internationally.
In addition, support programs for cooperatives and small and medium-sized businesses have been launched, accompanied by social and health measures for artisans. The latter now benefit from social coverage, in accordance with the royal project relating to the generalization of social protection.
Training and innovation: essential levers
Mouad El Jamai insisted on the importance of specialized training to qualify young people in various traditional professions, while adapting them to the demands of the modern market. The region’s institutes and training establishments play a key role in this dynamic, supporting transformations in the sector on a national and international scale.
However, despite these significant advances, the craft sector in the Fez-Meknes region still faces several challenges. The wali identified three priority areas for the future.
First, adaptation to the requirements of international markets, the digitalization of the sector and the response to the imperatives of environmental sustainability. To meet these challenges, he stressed the importance of scientific research, so that the tools and raw materials used in crafts are natural, free from harmful components and comply with international health standards.
An integrated vision for the future
In this context, the 2022-2027 regional development program places the craft sector among its priorities. It includes innovative projects aimed at strengthening the competitiveness of the sector and increasing its contribution to regional and national economic development.
The wilaya of the Fez-Meknes region, as an essential partner of the ministry in charge of the sector, is committed to actively supporting the implementation of these projects.
Mouad El Jamai also called on stakeholders in the sector to organize workshops on the social and solidarity economy. He particularly insisted on the need to rehabilitate the value of the daily work of women, who play a central role in crafts and contribute significantly to household income. This reflection must take into account the specific social structure of Moroccan society and the essential role of Moroccan women in the family economy.
Supporting exports and overcoming raw material challenges
Speaking at the opening of the assembly, the new president of the Chamber of Crafts, Naji Fakhari, presented the orientations of his office, focused on a participatory approach and communication with partners and stakeholders concerned.
He underlined the importance of training, particularly through apprenticeship, in service professions, as well as the promotion of artisanal products on digital marketing channels.
Fakhari also discussed the efforts made to support craft cooperatives in exporting, a pillar of the Kingdom’s economic growth.
He insisted on the need to facilitate export procedures while examining the difficulties linked to the scarcity and high cost of raw materials.
Finally, he called for redoubled efforts in view of the next sporting events that Morocco is preparing to host, which constitute a unique opportunity to strengthen the influence of Moroccan craftsmanship.
Innovative projects approved to strengthen the sector
During this assembly, several partnership agreements were approved, demonstrating the desire of stakeholders to strengthen cooperation in the sector. Among these conventions are the project to support the ecological development of traditional pottery kilns and the creation of a permanent regional crafts fair in Fez.
The session also saw the approval of draft agreements relating to the regional support program for trainees in the craft sector, and the training and skills building program, as well as an amendment to the partnership agreement for the construction of a crafts complex in Sefrou.
Mehdi Idrissi / ECO Inspirations
