Event "Days of Handicrafts in the Republic of Macedonia 2011" was launched Friday with the opening of Festival of Artisans in the Old Skopje Bazaar.

Economy Minister Valon Saraqini opened the festival and presented a plaque to Enver Abdi, assembly chairman of the Artisan Chamber, for his outstanding contribution in the development of handicrafts in Macedonia.

"Days of Handicrafts represents an opportunity for stimulation, promotion and revitalization of handicrafts in Macedonia. Handicrafts is an important factor of economic development, having a huge, but unused potential as an economic sector. Therefore, we should all work in making this event traditional and acknowledged, not only in Macedonia but also in the wider region", said Minister Saraqini.

He stressed the Old Skopje Bazaar should be the place to get together, meet and talk on attracting new students who will learn crafts, whereas masters of the trade to launch new businesses.

"The Government has developed a Strategy for Development of Handicrafts together with an Action Plan 2012-2020, alongside efforts for handicrafts support through the regulatory guillotine, education and training, allocation of grants for procurement of tools and equipment, and vocational education", said Saraqini.

"Days of Handicrafts in the Republic of Macedonia 2011" is held in nine cities, including debates on handicraft-related topics, seminars and training, workshops, handicraft bazaar, along with an event declaring the best artisan.

The goal is to promote possibilities and diversity of handicraft services and products, preserve the tradition and culture, as well as topple taboos and prejudice of handicrafts being an old and non-profitable business.