Prince Sultan bin Salman, president of the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities, has emphasized the need to promote handicrafts, saying it would create more jobs for Saudis and strengthen the economy.

“Hand-made Saudi products represent part and parcel of our national identity,” said Prince Sultan, who is head of the Steering Committee for the National Program for Handicraft Development. He was presiding over a committee meeting.

He called for concerted efforts to promote handicrafts in the Kingdom in order to raise its productivity and enable the sector to begin exporting its products within five years.

Prince Sultan noted the government’s support to preserve and promote cultural heritage and handicrafts. The Cabinet has approved the National Strategy for Handicraft Development and its five-year executive plan.

“There is a royal decree that stipulates that the gifts and mementos given by the state to foreign guests should be drawn from national heritage products,” he pointed out.

Prince Sultan’s statement follows the opening of a handicraft show in Khamis Mushait, which was opened by Asir Gov. Prince Faisal bin Khaled on Monday. The exhibition, which has 54 pavilions, was organized to promote handicrafts. Craftsmen from Asir, Jazan and Baha are taking part in the exhibition.

Prince Sultan said, “The SCTA has raised the value of the Souk Okaz award for the best handicraft to SR 500,000 in an attempt to revive this vital sector, promote the creativity of artisans and encourage them to make high-quality products to compete in local and international markets.”

During the meeting, Prince Sultan briefed the committee on the outcome of his recent visit to South Korea to explore its expertise in the development of handicrafts. The visit was part of an SCTA program to explore international best practices in the conservation and development of heritage.

Prince Sultan signed an agreement for cooperation with the South Korean minister of culture, sports and tourism on May 14. The two sides also agreed to an executive program for cooperation in the field of tourism and handicraft, which includes training courses for young Saudis by Korean experts.

The meeting also reviewed the results of a similar visit by Prince Sultan to Morocco, during which he signed a cooperation agreement with the Moroccan Minister of Traditional Industries, Abdul Samad Geyouh.

Prince Sultan is currently on a visit to Asir. He met with Gov. Prince Faisal and discussed matters related to tourism development in the region. He will also visit heritage buildings and private museums in the region.