At launch of SIARC 2024: PM reiterates importance of digital tools to boost artisanal sector.

This was during the opening ceremony of the 8^th edition of the International Handicrafts Fair of Cameroon dubbed SIARC.

The PM presided over the launch on behalf of the Head of State, Paul Biya. The event is currently underway at the National Museum in Yaounde.

Scheduled to run till July 31, the fair has brought together close to 800 craftsmen from Cameroon and some 30 other countries invited to take part in the event.

The fair was organised by the Ministry of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises, Social Economy and Handicrafts, MINPMEESA.

It is on the theme: “Digital technology as a factor in the sustainable development of the crafts sector and the global inclusion of craftspeople”.

Speaking at the launch, Dion Ngute expressed delight at the exhibitors and their exhibitions. He praised the relevance of the theme chosen by the organisers this year, pointing out that digital technology offers a window of opportunity for the sector.

“This year’s event will give those involved the opportunity to find out about the opportunities for using digital technology as one of the pillars for advertising their activities and products nationally and internationally, and to make it an appropriate response mechanism to the marketing problem facing the craft sector,” Dion Ngute explained.

He said as an important sector of the national economy, the craft industry would make an additional contribution in terms of job and wealth creation. To better guarantee their economic potential, the PM further urged those involved in the sector to move away from the informal sector.

“African crafts is a sector that we must proudly promote and present to the world with confidence and assurance. Alongside the regional cultural days, there will be activities to raise awareness among craftspeople and their professional organisations on the issues of legalising and migration from the informal to the formal sector,” Dion Ngute added.

He concluded by welcoming the participation of the countries invited as guest, who all share long-standing relations with Cameroon.

For Dion Ngute, the large number of participants and the seriousness shown by all, represent the determination of the players to further develop this sector.

Several members of the government attended the opening ceremony including SMEs Minister Achille Bassilekin III, kingpin of the event.

Zoom on guest countries

Tunisia was chosen to be the guest of honour at SIARC 2024. The North African nation has a long track record of promoting crafts both nationally and internationally.

With it as guest of honour, Cameroon is hoping to learn and benefit from its rich artisanal experience. Also present at SIARC 2024 is a 15-man delegation from Burkina Faso. 

The delegation is led by Burkina Faso’s Minister of Industrial Development, Trade, Handicrafts and Small and Medium-sized Enterprises Serge Gnaniodem Poda, who also doubles as the Chairman of the Coordinating Committee for the Development and Promotion of African Handicrafts, CODEPA.

This story was first published in The Guardian Post issue No:3180 of Friday July 26, 2024