Morocco Unveils Emergency Plan to Revive Struggling Craft Sector Amid Pandemic

Despite the major blow suffered by the craft sector during the state of health emergency, activities have resumed with an average of 66% in general, with variations depending on the regions and trades, said the Minister of Tourism and Crafts, before the House of Representatives last Monday. According to the minister, the revival of crafts, representing 7% of GDP and employing 2.4 million people, must be based on a new 2021-2030 strategy, currently under study with the Chambers of Crafts, the Federation of Enterprises in the sector and other partners.

However, pending the finalization of this vast project in the health context, some emergency measures have been developed on marketing, support, financing and support for trades, to save the sector. With regard to marketing, the Ministry of Crafts, through the House of the Craftsman, has signed a partnership agreement with 7 e-commerce platforms in Morocco. Moroccan craft products will thus be sold online. A support and support program in public spaces and large distribution networks has been launched by the minister, in order to ensure the marketing of products and the operation of the ministry’s exhibition centers.

As for financing, the ministry "is working with a group of banks to find an approach to craft activity. The department also helps craftsmen to better benefit from banking financing mechanisms," said Nadia Fettah.

The provisions of Law 98-15 on AMO and Law 99-15 will be implemented to improve the social conditions of craftsmen. She also recalled that craftsmen have also benefited from financial aid, as part of the Economic Monitoring Committee.