Rabat – Four partnership agreements were signed on Monday in Essaouira to help develop and organize the local handicraft sector. They aim to do so by strengthening traditional crafts, protecting disappearing trades, and improving working conditions for artisans by upgrading industry infrastructure.
The signing event saw the participation of government officials, industry professionals, and civil society members dedicated to promoting and preserving traditional crafts.
The agreements were signed during a visit by the Secretary of State for Handicrafts and Social and Solidarity Economy, Lahcen Essaadi, who toured various training centers, production sites, and sales points of local handicraft products.
Among the key figures present was Andre Azoulay, Advisor to the King and President of the Essaouira-Mogador Association, along with representatives from several institutions, including the National Agency for the Development of Oasis Zones and the Argan Tree (ANDZOA).
The first agreement focuses on developing sustainable ecosystems for traditional crafts, particularly thuya wood, argan, and Gnaoua musical instruments, while the second agreement aims to preserve disappearing trades and promote handicrafts at the provincial level.
Meanwhile, the third agreement is designed to ensure artisans have access to affordable and sustainable supplies of raw materials, especially thuya wood.
The fourth and last agreement will finance and establish a dedicated space for argan-related activities in Essaouira. With a budget of MAD 7 million ($700,000) the project is set to promote the cultural and economic importance of argan and improve the financial conditions of female producers.
Secretary of State Lahcen Essaadi welcomed the partnerships, calling them a major step in strengthening the handicraft sector and social economy in Essaouira. He noted the province’s rich cultural heritage and traditional craftsmanship, which have been passed down through generations.
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He believes these agreements will help artisans integrate better into the economy and benefit from the region’s full potential.
Meanwhile, Hassan Choumais, President of the Regional Chamber of Handicrafts of Marrakech-Safi, commended the cooperation between government institutions, local authorities, and private organizations in supporting the growth of the handicraft sector.
Tarik Ottmani, President of the Essaouira Municipal Council, spoke of the importance of improving infrastructure, professional training, and access to raw materials to support artisans and ensure the sustainability of traditional crafts.
For his part, Abdellatif Mait, head of ANDZOA’s department in Essaouira, noted that with over 155,000 hectares of argan forests and 200 cooperatives, the region has strong potential for sustainable development.
He believes the agreements will boost the local economy, empower communities, and preserve the region’s natural and cultural heritage.
During the event, the Secretariat of State also announced the launch of Morocco’s first geographic label for handicrafts – “Produits De Thuya – Essaouira Mogador.”
This label certifies the authenticity of traditional Moroccan crafts, protects them from imitations, and improves their access to international markets.
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