In an effort to further promote Egypt’s cultural heritage and empower small and micro enterprises, the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Development Agency (MSMEDA) will launch a mini edition of its flagship “Turathna” Heritage Exhibition on Saturday at City Stars Mall in Nasr City. The fair, featuring 240 exhibitors from across the country, will run in two phases: December 1–8 and December 11–18, taking place daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. at the mall’s front plaza.
The initiative comes as part of the agency’s broader strategy to expand opportunities for artisans and traditional craft-makers, particularly those in Upper Egypt and border governorates.
Egypt’s National Handicrafts Strategy
MSMEDA CEO, Bassil Rahmy, emphasized that the initiative aligns with directives from Egypt’s political leadership to provide expanded support to artisans and heritage-based micro enterprises. This includes offering financing, technical assistance, marketing support, participation in exhibitions, and creating new sales channels to help preserve skilled craftsmanship and promote authentic Egyptian cultural identity.
“Heritage crafts are a cornerstone of Egypt’s cultural diversity,” Rahmy said. “Strengthening this sector safeguards traditional skills while creating sustainable economic opportunities for families and communities.”
Priority for Legally Compliant Craft Businesses
According to MSMEDA, priority in the City Stars edition of Turathna was given to artisans whose businesses are fully compliant with official documentation requirements or those who have begun formalizing their status. Rahmy noted that legal compliance enhances business resilience, improves access to financial institutions, and increases opportunities for domestic and international marketing—particularly through export channels.
He added that formalized projects benefit from the incentives provided under Enterprise Development Law No. 152 of 2020, as well as upcoming tax facilities outlined in Law 6/2025, creating a supportive legal and investment environment for growth.
Expanding Market Access for New Exhibitors
Rahmy stressed that this mini edition intentionally includes artisans who did not participate in Turathna’s seventh annual exhibition held in October, ensuring that a broader range of small-business owners can benefit from the event’s marketing reach. Exhibitors will have the opportunity for direct sales to the public and the chance to secure commercial contracts with retailers or distributors.
Strong Institutional Support Behind the Exhibition
The City Stars edition of Turathna will be held with the participation of several major institutions supporting small and handicraft-based enterprises. The National Bank of Egypt is serving as the event’s official sponsor, while the “Decent Life” Foundation and the National Council for Women will take part in the exhibition’s activities.
Preserving Heritage Platform
Turathna Exhibition has become one of Egypt’s most prominent platforms for celebrating craftsmanship, enhancing artisan incomes, and connecting traditional products with modern consumer markets. The City Stars edition is expected to attract high foot traffic due to its central urban location, providing significant visibility for small heritage businesses from across the country.
By expanding the exhibition into multiple locations and formats, MSMEDA aims to build a sustainable ecosystem for traditional crafts—one that strengthens cultural identity while fueling local economic development.
