Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly inaugurated on Saturday the seventh edition of the “Turathna 2025” exhibition at the Egypt International Exhibitions Center in New Cairo, held under the patronage of President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi. The event, organized by the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency (MSMEDA), runs from 4–11 October.
Madbouly said the exhibition’s continued organisation under presidential sponsorship for the seventh consecutive year reflects Egypt’s leadership’s deep commitment to supporting the handicrafts sector and the thousands of artisans who preserve the nation’s cultural heritage while creating sustainable employment across the country.
He added that Egyptian handicrafts have witnessed remarkable development, enabling them to compete in both local and international markets. The government, he noted, is intensifying coordination among relevant ministries to help artisans enhance product quality and expand global reach, guided by Egypt’s new Handicrafts Strategy, which seeks to position the country as a leading global centre for handcrafted industries.
The Prime Minister also revealed that a national steering committee is being established to implement the Handicrafts Strategy 2025–2030. The committee will be chaired by the Minister of Social Solidarity, with the participation of MSMEDA and representatives from key ministries.
Bassel Rahmy, CEO of MSMEDA, said the exhibition spans 10,000 square metres and hosts more than 1,000 projects from across Egypt, representing 32 craft sectors. It also features participation from international organisations and associations focused on heritage preservation, entrepreneurship, and youth empowerment at local, regional, and global levels.
Rahmy noted that between July 2014 and August 2025, MSMEDA injected approximately EGP 1 billion into the handicrafts and heritage sector, providing financial and technical support to more than 25,000 small and micro enterprises, helping sustain about 80,000 jobs.
He added that the exhibition is organised in cooperation with a wide network of partners, including ministries, banks, universities, private-sector companies, and international development agencies. This year’s edition includes 34% new participants, along with projects owned by people with special needs, reflecting MSMEDA’s inclusive approach.
Rahmy also emphasised that the agency is working to encourage informal businesses to transition to the formal sector. A growing number of exhibitors this year have begun or completed the regularisation process, allowing them to benefit from the incentives provided under SME Development Law No. 152/2020 and Law No. 6/2025.
Beyond being a display of Egyptian craftsmanship, the exhibition provides comprehensive business development services through MSMEDA’s “Our Services” pavilion. These include free consultations on digital marketing, website development, branding, pricing, and packaging, as well as access to the agency’s financing programmes. All services are offered in coordination with international partners to help entrepreneurs upgrade their products to meet global market standards.
Following the opening, the Prime Minister toured the exhibition, visiting various national and international pavilions. This year’s guest of honour is Tunisia, alongside participating delegations from the UAE, Jordan, Algeria, and Pakistan.
On the sidelines of the event, Prime Minister Madbouly witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between MSMEDA and the Arab Tourism Organization (ATO) of the Arab League to enhance marketing and exports of Arab handicrafts and promote cultural tourism across the region.
Under the MoU, the two sides will cooperate to organise “Turathna” exhibitions in other Arab countries, exchange expertise in exhibition management and craft promotion, and encourage participation from artisans and family-run enterprises across the Arab world. The agreement also includes joint efforts to promote the exhibition through ATO’s events calendar, organise workshops and seminars on traditional crafts, and facilitate data exchange on artisans while ensuring confidentiality.
The MSMEDA will continue providing financial and technical assistance to artisans and entrepreneurs, while the Arab Tourism Organization will promote the exhibition regionally, coordinate participation from member states, and foster heritage-linked cultural tourism.
Madbouly concluded that “Turathna” has become a landmark regional platform celebrating the creativity of Egyptian and Arab artisans, supporting small producers, and connecting traditional crafts with sustainable economic development.
