Boost For Crafts Export Sector

The Minister of Trade, Industry and Presidential Special Initiative, Alan Kyerematen, says government is committed to transforming the country’s craft export sector from its present cottage level to a business oriented one.

' The pesent situation where the industry is seen as a means to earn a living rather than promoting it to become internationally competitive does not auger well for the development of the industry,' he said.

Mr Kyeremateng was speaking at the launch of the Ghana@50 Adinkra and Kente exhibition at the Ghana International Trade Fair Centre in Accra on Tuesday.

The exhibition was under the theme 'A march from the cultural past into the cultural future with information communication technology', seeks to increase the awareness about the country’s Adinkra symbols and also catalogue the evolution of the Kente industry.

In a bid to develop the sector Mr. Kyeremateng said his ministry, in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism and Diasporan Relations and the Ministry of Chieftancy and Culture would work together to support the growth of the sector.

'The ministry, in collaboration with other stakeholders, is providing support in product development, marketing and infrastructural support to the craft industry with a view to build its capacity to meet the challenges of the global market,' he explained.

In the area of product development, he indicated that support for selected companies is being delivered through technical assistance by Aid to Artisans Ghana, adding that forty-five selected companies are benefiting from design, product adaptation and quality enhancement services through international and local consultancies.

In the area of marketing, the minister said two international marketing experts undertook missions to the country in July 2005, to prepare products and companies for specailised market access programme to North America.

The minister was of the view that the enhancement and transformation of the craft sector, will result in employment creation and revenue generation, as well as the integration of the country’s rural communities into the mainstream of national economic activity.