Egypt’s Prime Minister, Dr. Mostafa Madbouly, officially inaugurated the “Turathna” 2025 Handicrafts Exhibition at Egypt International Exhibition Center, acting on behalf of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi. This year’s edition marks a significant milestone for the local crafts and traditional industries sector, with over 1,200 exhibitors, nearly 34% of whom are participating for the first time.
In televised remarks following the opening, Madbouly emphasized the state’s commitment to integrating traditional industries into the formal economy, noting that more than 80% of the participating businesses have successfully regularized their status and now operate official bank accounts—many through institutions like the National Bank of Egypt. This integration contributes to national GDP growth and increases economic transparency.
“Roughly 15% of exhibitors have begun exporting their products,” the Prime Minister stated, highlighting their emerging role in generating foreign currency. “While our current exports in this sector stand at approximately $200 million, we aim to triple that figure to $600 million over the next four to five years.”
Rural and Environmental Industries Fund Participation
As part of the event, Dr. Maya Morsy, Minister of Social Solidarity and Chairperson of the Rural and Environmental Industries Support Fund, toured the fund’s dedicated pavilion at Turathna 2025. The exhibition is organized by Egypt’s Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprise Development Agency (MSMEDA) and runs from October 4–11 in New Cairo.
The fund is showcasing products from over 10 exhibitors representing a diverse group of governorates, including Qalyubia, Luxor, Qena, Sohag, Kafr El-Sheikh, Alexandria, Cairo, Giza, and Sharqia.
Dr. Morsy praised the quality and authenticity of the exhibited goods, which include:
- Traditional ceramics
- Linen textiles
- Honey and bee products
- Sarsou’ wood handicrafts
- And a wide range of handmade heritage crafts
“Participation in Turathna provides these artisans with access to new markets, boosting visibility and sales potential for heritage industries,” Morsy stated.
She was accompanied during her tour by Dr. Rania Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation; Dr. Manal Awad, Minister of Local Development and Acting Minister of Environment; and Counselor Amal Ammar, President of the National Council for Women. The ministers collectively applauded the artistry and economic potential of the showcased products.
Revitalizing Egypt’s Heritage Economy
“Turathna” exhibition has become a national platform for economic empowerment, particularly for small-scale producers and rural artisans. With continued state support, increasing formalization, and growing export activity, Egypt aims to transform its rich cultural crafts into a strategic sector that contributes meaningfully to employment, foreign trade, and inclusive development.
