Algeria’s 26th SIAT Showcases Handicrafts as a Pillar of Heritage and Economic Renewal
ALGIERS – The 26th International Handicrafts Exhibition (SIAT) opened its doors Sunday, with Algeria’s Minister of Tourism and Handicrafts, Houria Meddahi, presiding over a ceremony that framed the nation’s artisan sector as far more than a mere economic pursuit. Held under the banner “Algerian Handicrafts: Heritage, Authenticity, and Artistic Creativity,” the event signals a strategic national push to position traditional crafts at the heart of cultural preservation and economic diversification.
State-Level Commitment to a Living Heritage
Inaugurating the exhibition at the Moufdi Zakaria Palace of Culture, Minister Meddahi addressed a gathering of government officials and diplomatic representatives. She articulated that this edition reflects the “special attention the State gives to handicrafts,” situating it within a broader national context of economic renewal championed by the country’s highest authorities, including President Abdelmadjid Tebboune.
“The work of our artisans is much more than just an economic activity,” Meddahi asserted. “It embodies the cultural identity and living heritage of the country.” She elaborated that the sector has evolved into a cornerstone for boosting domestic tourism and a significant economic lever for wealth and job creation.
A Multi-Pronged Strategy for Artisan Empowerment
So, how is the ministry translating this vision into tangible support? The strategy rests on integrated pillars designed to strengthen training, qualification, support, and financing. A key development is the creation of a dedicated digital platform for handicrafts. This initiative aims to streamline bureaucratic hurdles, allowing artisans to register for training and secure spots in national and international exhibitions with greater ease.
Echoing the President’s focus on digital transformation, Meddahi announced the nationwide rollout of a digital artisan card. This card is intended to simplify access to essential services for this professional category. Further safeguarding the integrity of the trade, a new “quality and authenticity label” has been established to protect Algerian craft products and enhance their value in competitive markets at home and abroad.
Skills Development and Social Inclusion
Beyond digital tools, the support extends to hands-on skill development. The ministry is organizing nationwide training sessions focused on digital marketing and promotion. The objective is to equip artisans with modern techniques, empowering them to transform traditional ideas and know-how into sustainable, income-generating projects.
In a significant emphasis on social policy, Meddahi insisted on the sector’s commitment to supporting artisans with specific needs and rural women. This demographic represents over 35% of all handicraft activities, making their empowerment a central tenet of the state’s broader social goals.
SIAT: A Beacon for Cultural and Economic Exchange
The minister also highlighted the exhibition’s role as a catalyst for cultural diplomacy and tourism. She described SIAT as a “beacon of ancestral heritage and artistic innovation,” serving as a vital meeting point for economic exchange and cultural rapprochement that builds “bridges of friendship, cooperation, and partnership.”
The scale of the sector underscores its economic importance. Official figures place the number of registered artisans at 470,000, with 150,000 being women active across more than 300 distinct handicraft activities. This makes the sector an essential engine for job creation, particularly for women and youth.
The 26th edition of SIAT, which continues until next Saturday, coincides with the celebration of National Artisan Day, a fitting tribute to a community that weaves together the threads of Algeria’s past and its economic future.
Source: Algerie Patriotique