Handicraft contributes 19% to Morocco's GDP

The handicraft sector contributes 19% to the Moroccan GDP and exports of craftsmanship items generate six billion DHs (US$ 666 million) in hard currency, said handicraft and social economy minister, M'hamed El Khalifa.

The official told "Assabah" daily six million people live on the sector which employs 2 million persons.

The minister deplored the lack of support to the sector, but promised major changes despite the shortage of funds.

For El Khalifa, the free trade agreement, concluded early last month with the USA, will have a positive impact on handicraft, given the US legislation on handicraft and the keenness of Moroccan negotiators to defend the sector.