People participate in a march to mark the launch of the national week of handicrafts in Marrakech, Morocco, on Feb. 9, 2019. The fifth edition of Morocco's national week of handicrafts opened on Saturday in the city of Marrakech. (Xinhua)
RABAT, Feb. 9 (Xinhua) -- The fifth edition of Morocco's national week of handicrafts opened on Saturday in the city of Marrakech.
About 1,200 craftsmen from across the country will show their handicrafts in exhibition until Feb. 17, covering an area of over 35,000 square meters.
The exhibition portrays engravings on wood, copper and silver, textiles, wool weaving, carpets, embroidery, ceramic art and jewellery.
The exhibition aims to save the cultural heritage, boost the handicraft sector and give it more visibility.
Mohamed Sajid, the Moroccan Minister of Tourism, Air Transport, Handicraft and Social Economy, said handicraft is an important strategic sector for economic growth, job creation and tourism in Morocco.
He noted that it represents 7 percent of the kingdom's GDP and offer jobs for 2.3 million people.
Exports of Morocco's handicraft products increased by 30 percent in 2018 compared to 2017, the minister added.
