Handicraft producers seek permanent market

Traditional handicraft producers here have called on government to set up a permanent market where they can sell their goods throughout the year. They also want marketing and advertising support.
The producers spoke to Arab News here at the recently concluded three-day Second Productive Families Forum held at a local hotel. They said 5,000 families need support in Jeddah.
Huda Amoudi, one of the participants, commended Makkah Gov. Prince Khaled Al-Faisal for supporting the event every year. She said a successful initiative at the forum was the establishment of a special committee to advance the interests of all traditional handicraft producers. Amoudi said producers could only become successful and contribute to the national economy if they have a body dedicated to their welfare. “We cannot benefit from such forums unless families work under an integrated institutional system. This will enable them to meet various challenges and promote their products more competitively and successfully,” said Amoudi. “I am confident that the Saudi government is keen to eradicate every obstacle in the path of every productive family.”
She said that Saudi Arabia currently imports crafts worth SR 1.5 billion a year. “Saudi economists and decision makers should develop a strategy and scheme to reduce these imports by investing in local productive families,” Amoudi said.
Umm Bandar, one of the exhibitors, said she may not participate in next year’s forum because of the high costs of having a stall of four by six meters. “The sales during the entire forum did not cover the big bill I paid to get my products displayed here. I think there was a lack of advertising and promotion of the exhibition,” she said.
She criticized the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, claiming it had invited participants but not provided proper services and support.
Samya, who is in her fifties and produces embroidery, told Arab News that she was participating for the second time and was happy because she gained a lot of experience and met many people. “Showcasing your products here and meeting all kinds of people is much better and more useful than just selling products from home,” she said.
She said she wanted to be at the forum to reach out to as many people as possible with her products.
Noura Al-Zahrani, who specializes in traditional Saudi pieces, said families need a permanent market. “We should promote and showcase our products on a daily basis all year round and at a permanent location,” she said.
In response to a question on funding, Al-Zahrani said: “We don’t want financial support. We only need to promote our products at a permanent market where we can sell our goods. We don’t want to wait for a forum each year where we sell our products for a short time. This is not worthwhile at all.”
She said the exhibition should reduce the cost for renting space because this would encourage families to get involved. “I hope that the officials and the organizers will hear my words and try not to increase the rates because it is another big burden on us.”