São Paulo – Handicraft is an important activity for the Moroccan economy and generates two million jobs. The information was provided by the Moroccan minister of Handicraft, Anis Birrou, who is in Brazil, heading a delegation of ten companies, seeking new markets. According to him, production of art generates US$ 2 billion in Morocco. That is not to mention the indirect activities included in the sector, like the painting of works and artistic gastronomy services, boosting handicraft sector revenues to US$ 10 billion in the North African country.
Birrou arrived in São Paulo on Friday (10), after visiting Buenos Aires, Argentina, and Santiago, Chile. This is, according to him, the first joint action promoted by the Moroccan handicraft sector in South America. “There have already been some private initiatives by companies,” said Birrou, in an interview to ANBA. Handicraft in Morocco has great local demand and is also exported, mainly to Europe and the US. “Our idea is to seek other markets, like South America, mainly Brazil, and the Gulf,” said Birrou.
“Brazil has lived the economic miracle and we know that the Brazilians like what is beautiful, artistic and has soul. That is what the Moroccans produce,” said the minister regarding the art of his country. Selling handicraft from Morocco in Brazil is also aimed at developing trade and human relations with Brazil. “Morocco already knew Brazil for its football and now also knows the country for the economic miracle,” he said.
According to the minister, handicraft in Morocco is multiple and the products reflect the characteristics of each region, tribe, social evolution as well as the openness of the Moroccan society and coexistence between different religions in Morocco. In the country, handicraft has 3,000 years of history, recalled Birrou. He believes that this is a good moment to sell handicraft. "Worldwide, there is currently demand for handicraft – human art – as against all that is made industrially and mechanically,” added the minister.
On Saturday, the minister participated in the opening of business roundtables between Moroccan handicraft and cosmetics companies and Brazilian importers, at Sheraton Hotel, in São Paulo. Among the Moroccan companies was Majka, from Casablanca, a maker of furniture and items for domestic decoration in iron and mosaics. According to company designer Maida Mekouar, this is the first time that Majka comes to South America and Brazil. The company already exports to Spain, Germany and France and now wants to sell to Brazil.
Nectarome, of cosmetics, was also at the business roundtables seeking companies for its products. It makes items like massage oil, bath oils, shampoo and liquid soap, among others. The products are all organic and extracted from plants maintained in a company area, as well as supplied by farmers. The company exports to 15 countries and has in Japan its main market, according to Jalil Belkamel, who is responsible for research at the company, and to Soumaya Yaakoubi, in charge of the export department, both present at the meeting in São Paulo.
Also meeting the delegation on Saturday was the secretary general at the Arab Brazilian Chamber of Commerce, Michel Alaby, the ambassador of Morocco to Brasília, Mohamed Louafa, and the consul general of Morocco to São Paulo, Hilton Peña. On Sunday (12) the delegation will meet the board at the Arab Brazilian Chamber for a luncheon.
*Translated by Mark Ament