Skopje, 17 November 2023 (MIA) - North Macedonia Crafts Chamber president Agron Fazliji signed a declaration for cooperation with counterparts from Serbia, Montenegro, Croatia, Albania and Kosovo, and a cooperation memorandum with Croatia's crafts chamber, within a forum on crafts and economy held in Skopje on Friday.

The declaration focuses on information exchange regarding policy development in the reform process, cooperation with national and local authorities, setting up an Association of Chambers of Crafts in the Western Balkans, knowledge transfer and institutional support.

"This shows that our commitment and efforts to network with institutions and regional crafts chambers are appreciated. I firmly believe that together with institutions, we will contribute to reducing the informal economy and creating a favorable business environment. We have a vision and we are building it together by creating an environment where crafts are supported, so that young people are motivated to stay in the country and start their own businesses," said Fazliji.

He added that the North Macedonia Crafts Chamber currently has 20,000 members.

"There are subsidies coming from the Ministry of Economy, but children should be further incentivized and guided to enroll in secondary vocational schools in order to become real professionals in their fields," said Fazliji.

Crafts Chamber executive director Jelena Spasova said it is becoming increasingly important to highlight the value of craftsmen and maintain the centuries-old tradition, but also their contribution to the society and the economy.

"I am aware that we are living in a period dominated by managerial ambitions, but we must not neglect the crafts, especially since it is quite profitable to be part of the offer-demand principle in the craft sector," noted Spasova.

She announced that the Crafts Chamber is planning to build an education center next year, which will encourage young people to get involved in the field and develop their skills. The chamber will also collaborate with regional chambers on implementation of projects to learn new skills and fill in the job positions that are lacking on the labor market, while fostering close cooperation with the business sector, where the youth will experience crafts in a real work environment.

First Lady Elizabeta Gjogjievska also addressed the event, noting that crafts are not just an industry but a cornerstone of culture, a historic narrative embedded in the fiber of identity.

"The objective is rather clear: to increase the competitiveness of our craftsmen and align our norms with the EU standards. My support in this mission is closely linked to the commitment to acknowledge and champion the invaluable contribution of craftswomen in the preservation of the traditional crafts," said Gjorgjievska.

According to her, strengthening of the craft sector would not only improve the economy but also create conditions for increased involvement in the policy creation, both locally and nationally.

Photo: MIA/President's Office