Moroccan Parliamentarian Calls for Protection of Traditional Industry

Moroccan parliamentarian Nabilla Mounib, a member of the Left Alliance parliamentary group, has urged the government to take action to protect the country's traditional industry from theft and piracy. Mounib made the call during a parliamentary session, questioning the Minister of Tourism, Traditional Industry, and Solidarity Economy, Abd al-Jabbar Rachdidi. She emphasized that Moroccan traditional industry is under threat not only from neighboring countries but also from several other nations.

Mounib specifically highlighted the threat posed to the country's zellij tiles, a traditional Moroccan art form. She noted that Algeria will present the zellij tiles for inclusion on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity on November 30. Mounib expressed concern that the Ministry of Traditional Industry and Solidarity Economy is more focused on trade and marketing, rather than preserving and protecting this cultural heritage.

In response, Minister Rachdidi stated that his ministry has kept pace with Morocco's digital transformation and has launched several initiatives to support traditional industry. He mentioned that the ministry has created a national register for traditional industry, which currently has over 467,000 registered craftsmen and women. The register provides a platform for craftsmen to access services and benefits, and Rachdidi noted that over 15,000 craftsmen have received cards through the register.

Rachdidi also highlighted the ministry's efforts to provide training and support to craftsmen through online platforms. He mentioned that the ministry has created a platform called "Artisana Academy," which provides video tutorials and training materials for craftsmen. Additionally, the ministry is working on a mobile application called "Artisana Mobile," which will allow users to access information on traditional industry and locate craft shops and markets.

The minister also emphasized the ministry's efforts to enhance the marketing capabilities of traditional industry craftsmen. He noted that an agreement with an international marketing company will enable craftsmen to sell their products on global online platforms. Furthermore, the ministry is launching a platform called "Morocco Handmade," which will allow craftsmen to access major marketing centers in Morocco and improve their professional situation.

Mounib's call for protection of traditional industry has highlighted the need for the government to take action to preserve Morocco's cultural heritage. The country's traditional industry, including zellij tiles, is an important part of its cultural identity and a significant contributor to its economy. The government's efforts to support and protect traditional industry will be crucial in ensuring its continued survival and success.

The issue of protecting traditional industry has gained significant attention in recent years, with many countries taking steps to preserve their cultural heritage. Morocco's efforts to protect its traditional industry will be closely watched by other countries, and its success could serve as a model for others to follow.

Key points

• Moroccan parliamentarian Nabilla Mounib calls for protection of traditional industry from theft and piracy.
• The country's zellij tiles are under threat from neighboring countries and other nations.
• The government has launched several initiatives to support traditional industry, including a national register and online training platforms.