Morocco's handicraft exports up 4.5 % in 1988

The handicraft exports increased in 1998 by 4.5% to around $63 million compared to figures recorded in 1997, Moroccan "La Vie Economique" weekly reported in its latest issue.

Germany is Morocco's biggest handicraft market generating about $ 17.5 mln in profit.

Luxembourg was the second best European market for Moroccan handicraft items in 1998 with sales up by 233.8% to $10.7 million. Finland came in the 3rd place with sales up by 81.8% to $6.7 million followed by Britain wherein Moroccan handicraft items exporters gained $3.2 million.

Morocco's handicraft sector employs about two million people and accounts for 10% of the country's GDP.