Cairo: Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouli announced the launch of the National Strategy for Handicrafts (2025-2030) during the opening of the 7th edition of the 'Turathna 2025' Exhibition for Handicrafts and Traditional Products, which he inaugurated on behalf of President Abdel Fattah El Sisi.
According to State Information Service Egypt, the strategy aims to achieve ambitious goals, including raising the value of Egypt's handicraft exports to $600 million by 2030. Madbouli emphasized that Egyptian handicrafts are more than products; they are a living embodiment of the nation's values, heritage, and civilization.
He also underscored the sector's economic potential as a promising avenue for development, job creation, and increased exports. He stated that the new national strategy for handicrafts, developed by the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Development Agency (MSMEDA) in collaboration with various ministries and relevant entities, most notably the ministries of social solidarity, trade and industry, culture and local development, as well as development partners, experts and specialists, aims to modernize this vital sector and enhance its competitiveness both locally and globally.
He explained that the strategy responds to evolving dynamics in global trade, supply chains, and buyer preferences, in addition to increasing commitments to environmental and social sustainability standards. 'The state is committed to ensuring the strategy includes clear and actionable plans that define roles, responsibilities, funding sources, and performance indicators, ensuring effective implementation, continuous monitoring, and evaluation,' he said.
Madbouli stressed that supporting handicrafts is not merely about preserving heritage; it is an investment in the future of the nation's youth and in a diversified, sustainable national economy. He called upon all stakeholders, from government institutions to the private sector and civil society, to actively contribute to the success of this strategy, ensuring that Egypt's rich heritage remains vibrant and that Egyptian creativity continues to shine both at home and abroad.