Republic of Tunisia
Ministry of Tourism
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Today, Wednesday, January 19, 2023, the International Salon of Antiques and Gifts in the French capital, Paris, was inaugurated, marking the start of one of the most important exhibitions in the world specializing in interior decoration and decor.
The National Office of Traditional Industries is overseeing the participation of Tunisian craft enterprises, and the Tunisian pavilion was inaugurated in the presence of Mr. Noufel Al-Salhi, a representative from the Ministry of Tourism, Mr. Soufiane Taqiya, the Director of Exhibitions, and Ms. Anas Ammar, an official from the Exhibition Management of the National Office of Traditional Industries.
The technical team of the National Office has prepared a space covering approximately 65 square meters for a distinguished group of craft enterprises, including:
- "Khalta": Interior decoration
- "Holya": Handmade textiles
- "Halima": Handmade textiles
- "Kriamic": Traditional ceramics
- "Pock Design": Leather crafts
It should be noted that several other artisans were unable to participate due to visa issues.
This salon, which witnesses the participation of around 65,000 exhibitors from all over the world, is considered the main event for professionals and craftsmen working in the fields of decoration, design, furniture, accessories, textiles, perfumes, table art, and other specialties.
It is also an important platform for trade exchange among professionals and craftsmen through specially designed innovative and high-quality products, seeking uniqueness and establishing real partnerships to promote their products worldwide. It provides an opportunity to keep up with the latest innovations in the field. This event will continue until January 23.
Today, Friday, March 3, 2023, the Minister of Tourism, Mr. Mohamed Al-Mouez Belhassen, conducted a working visit to the state of Béja, where he inaugurated the Craft Village and visited the exhibition of traditional industries organized on this occasion. He also oversaw the distribution of contracts for the use of new premises for craftsmen, in the presence of the First Delegate in charge of managing the affairs of the state of Béja, Mr. Saber Benboubli, the Secretary-General of the State, the Director-General of the National Office of Traditional Industries, regional delegates, and representatives of relevant regional structures.
The Minister of Tourism also visited the hand-weaving workshop in the municipality of Béja Nord and a workshop for distilling herbs in the municipality of Amdoun.
On this occasion, the Minister of Tourism considered the sector of traditional industries as a symbol of identity, as it preserves both tangible and intangible heritage. He emphasized that the Ministry of Tourism is working to strengthen and develop this vital sector, provide greater support to craftsmen, and enhance their export capacity.
He stated that the encouragement of establishing craft villages is part of the overall support for craftsmen throughout the country, including Béja, which is characterized by rich traditional industries such as ceramic pottery, embroidery, hand-weaving, perfume production, herb distillation, sculpture on all types of supports, and cheese production. The promotion of renewable industries and innovation in the sector is also encouraged.
He added that craft villages play an important role in networking and gathering craftsmen, as well as meeting the high demand for traditional industries in the domestic and international markets. The inauguration of the Craft Village in Béja is part of the Ministry of Tourism's strategy to promote the sector of traditional industries, which is a vital sector for the national economy, contributing to local and regional development and job creation.
Furthermore, in March and the upcoming period, important events for traditional industries will be organized to further promote the creations and designs of craftsmen and designers in various traditional specialties. The most important of these events is the Innovation Salon in Traditional Industries, which will be held under the auspices of the President of the Republic from March 10 to 19, 2023, at the Palace of Exhibitions in El Kram.
