Bassel Rahmy, Chief Executive Officer of the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Development Agency (MSMEDA), confirmed that the agency is implementing an integrated plan to develop production clusters for traditional and heritage crafts, in cooperation with the relevant governorates, ministries, and agencies involved in the handicrafts and heritage industries development strategy.
Rahmy noted that improving the quality and volume of handicraft production, as well as creating brands for heritage enterprises across different artistic sectors, requires stronger marketing support. This includes opening outlets to promote and sell products directly to consumers, securing distribution contracts for the domestic market, and expanding export opportunities abroad.
This comes within the framework of activating the National Strategy for Handicrafts and Heritage Industries, launched by Prime Minister and MSMEDA Chairperson Mostafa Madbouly during the opening of the Turathna 2025 Exhibition. The strategy aims to enhance and develop Egyptian heritage products and production clusters across all governorates, while providing the marketing support needed to reach both local and international markets.
Rahmy added that MSMEDA has supported thousands of businesses in the handicrafts and heritage sector through dozens of exhibitions in Cairo, across the governorates, and in Arab countries. These initiatives aim to reach wider audiences, particularly in areas with strong purchasing power, helping business owners expand their market reach, better understand consumer preferences, and develop high-quality products that meet demand.
He explained that the agency intends to increase the number of such exhibitions in the coming period in cooperation with various development partners.
Rahmy also announced that MSMEDA will organise a Turathna exhibition on the North Coast for more than two months, providing hundreds of heritage craft entrepreneurs with the opportunity to participate and benefit from the strong purchasing power of Egyptian, Arab, and international holidaymakers.
He added that the agency is keen to help participating businesses secure export contracts and supply agreements with tourist resorts and hotels in the North Coast and New Alamein areas.
