The 3rd edition of Turathna Exhibition for Handcrafts and Heritage Arts, which runs till 15 October at the International Exhibition Centre in east Cairo, was opened by President Abdel-Fattah al-Sis on 9 October.
The exhibition is organised by the Medium, Small and Micro Enterprise Development Agency under sponsorship of the President. It aims to revive and preserve traditional crafts, many of which are threatened with modern machine-made lower-priced products.
On an area of 20,000sq.m, some 1,500 local exhibitors from all over Egypt displayed their handcrafted goods. In addition, special pavilions displayed products from the UAE, Jordan, and Sudan; the aim being to strengthen ties between peoples and encourage inter-trade and regional economic integration.
Egyptian products on display included handmade rugs and kilims, shawls and embroidered goods, leatherwork, ceramic ware, metalwork, woodwork, and many others.
President Sisi toured the exhibition, talking to exhibitors among whom were young people, women, and persons with disabilities. He listened to their suggestions and outlooks on the problems they face in their businesses. He promised full support from the government in order to surmount all obstacles so as to achieve a great leap in the sector.
Among the Egyptian exhibitors were a number of NGOs that support the underprivileged or those facing financial problems such as unpaid debt, by encouraging them to take up handcrafts and working to market their products. The aim is to achieve development instead of charity handouts.
Watani International
11 October 2021