Sana'a: The Ministers of Culture and Tourism, Dr. Ali Al-Yafai; Economy, Industry, and Investment, Engineer Muin Al-Maqhari; and Youth and Sports, Dr. Mohammed Al-Mawlid, conducted a review on Monday of the products crafted by artisans associated with the Heritage and Cultural Development Fund.
According to Yemen News Agency, the ministers, accompanied by Dr. Issam Al-Sanini, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and Acting Executive Director of the Heritage and Cultural Development Fund, visited the workshops specializing in textiles, handicrafts, pottery, gemstones, and agate. They observed the quality of the crafts and products made by local artisans, noting their competitive standards compared to imported goods.
During the visit, the ministers were briefed on the conditions of the artisans and workshops, addressing the challenges they face and exploring ways to expand and develop their activities. Dr. Al-Yafai reiterated the ministry's commitment to supporting and developing handicrafts by enhancing artisans' skills through training workshops. This initiative aims to produce high-quality, affordable goods while aligning with governmental directives to harness youth potential and boost the national economy.
Dr. Al-Yafai emphasized the ministry's focus on protecting and promoting traditional crafts, improving artisans' livelihoods, and preserving Yemen's cultural identity. He highlighted the role of the workshops and carpentry unit in creating job opportunities for youth while safeguarding Yemen's heritage crafts from extinction. He also stressed the importance of coordination between the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the Ministry of Economy, and the Ministry of Youth to support these projects and advance the handicraft industry.
The Ministers of Economy and Youth praised the artisans' high-quality products that reflect Yemeni heritage and culture. They affirmed the significance of handicrafts in strengthening the local market and achieving self-sufficiency, expressing readiness to collaborate with the Ministry of Culture and Tourism to support these initiatives.
Minister Al-Maqhari highlighted measures by the Ministry of Economy to restrict imports of certain foreign goods in favor of promoting local products. He urged artisans to maintain quality to meet citizens' needs and mentioned the planned launch of the "Mu'tamad" platform to feature certified local products.
Furthermore, the ministers reviewed plans for the Comprehensive Handicraft Village project, a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and the Ministry of Economy. This project aims to establish factories, workshops, and exhibitions to enhance local production and self-sufficiency.
Al-Maqhari and Al-Mawlid acknowledged the project's economic significance, agreeing to hold further meetings to bring it to fruition.