Cotonou: The 19th edition of the Benin National Handicrafts Fair has welcomed Morocco as its guest of honor, highlighting the creativity and craftsmanship of artisans from various African nations. This significant event is attended by a Moroccan delegation led by Abderrahim Zemzami, President of the Chamber of Handicrafts of the Rabat-Sal©-K©nitra region, as noted in a statement from the Moroccan Embassy in Cotonou.
According to Agence Marocaine De Presse, the fair offers an excellent opportunity for the Moroccan delegation, which includes skilled artisans, to collaborate with local craftsmen. The aim is to share expertise and enhance skills, facilitating access to both regional and international markets.
Benin’s Minister of Small and Medium Enterprises and Employment Promotion, Modeste Tihount© Kerekou, addressed attendees, emphasizing the value of exchanging skills and knowledge in handicrafts with countries like Morocco. His speech underscored the importance of such collaborations in fostering growth and development within the sector.
The fair, themed “Beninese Handicrafts: Challenges and Issues of Labeling and Certification of Handicraft Products for Easier Access to Local and International Markets”, features 150 stands, including 20 from foreign countries. This edition highlights Benin’s aspiration to align its artisanal expertise with international standards, showcasing its dedication to labeling and certification efforts in the handicraft industry.