Today, Friday, March 3, 2023, the Minister of Tourism, Mr. Mohamed Al-Mouez Belhassen, conducted a working visit to the state of Béja, where he inaugurated the Craft Village and visited the exhibition of traditional industries organized on this occasion. He also oversaw the distribution of contracts for the use of new premises for craftsmen, in the presence of the First Delegate in charge of managing the affairs of the state of Béja, Mr. Saber Benboubli, the Secretary-General of the State, the Director-General of the National Office of Traditional Industries, regional delegates, and representatives of relevant regional structures.

The Minister of Tourism also visited the hand-weaving workshop in the municipality of Béja Nord and a workshop for distilling herbs in the municipality of Amdoun.

On this occasion, the Minister of Tourism considered the sector of traditional industries as a symbol of identity, as it preserves both tangible and intangible heritage. He emphasized that the Ministry of Tourism is working to strengthen and develop this vital sector, provide greater support to craftsmen, and enhance their export capacity.

He stated that the encouragement of establishing craft villages is part of the overall support for craftsmen throughout the country, including Béja, which is characterized by rich traditional industries such as ceramic pottery, embroidery, hand-weaving, perfume production, herb distillation, sculpture on all types of supports, and cheese production. The promotion of renewable industries and innovation in the sector is also encouraged.

He added that craft villages play an important role in networking and gathering craftsmen, as well as meeting the high demand for traditional industries in the domestic and international markets. The inauguration of the Craft Village in Béja is part of the Ministry of Tourism's strategy to promote the sector of traditional industries, which is a vital sector for the national economy, contributing to local and regional development and job creation.

Furthermore, in March and the upcoming period, important events for traditional industries will be organized to further promote the creations and designs of craftsmen and designers in various traditional specialties. The most important of these events is the Innovation Salon in Traditional Industries, which will be held under the auspices of the President of the Republic from March 10 to 19, 2023, at the Palace of Exhibitions in El Kram.