Italy donates 500.000 euro to Morocco's leather industry

The Italian government donated 500.000 Euro to Morocco to fund a project to modernize the leather industry in Fez, Italian embassy in Rabat said.

The project, launched in March 2003, aims to promote craftsmanship production of leather, improve the use of technology and activate the commercialization of products.

The sector draws a significant number of young workers at appropriate wages and some enterprises are inclined to adapt to European quality standards and improve the quality of products destined for export. However, the sector is technologically under-equipped, as enterprises still rely on manual work.

Enterprises will be provided with technical assistance to improve their products, particularly in terms of design and fashion trends. The project will reinforce Professionals Association of Leather Products in Fez and other local institutions that support small and medium enterprises operating in this realm.

Other projects are under way including support to the creation of an exports association and easing access for 150 firms to loans.

The project serves as a pilot drive, to be extended to other cities in the country.