Morocco’s handicrafts sector amounts to 7% of GDP

The Moroccan handicraft sector,long rooted in tradition and cultural heritage,is undergoing a significant transformation as it asserts itself as a vital pillar of the national economy,representing 7% of GDP,Lahcen Saadi,Secretary of State in charge of Handicrafts and the Social and Solidarity Economy said.

The sector now employs over 2.7 million people,making it the country’s second-largest source of employment,he told members of Parliament.

As parts of efforts to curb the informal character of the handicrafts sector,the minister said a national register now counts more than 420,000 registered artisans,and efforts are underway to establish professional organizations tailored to each craft.

These bodies will be instrumental in negotiating sector-specific program contracts aimed at improving access to financing,professional training,and raw materials,while also protecting endangered crafts.

The sector’s exports exceeded 1.11 billion dirhams,reflecting increased demand for Moroccan artisanal products.