Minister of Industry: Gathering craftsmen in specific locations

Damascus (ST): The difficulties faced by craftsmen in securing energy carriers, raw materials, workplaces, and proposals to preserve traditional crafts were the most prominent issues discussed by the Minister of Industry Ziyad Sabbagh with the president and members of the craftsman association for oriental heritage products in Damascus.

Yesterday, the meeting discussed the “Golden Syrian Craftsman” project, which aims to classify crafts according to their age and originality within a scientific study, in addition to the legal and technical framing of the training process to be under the supervision of the Ministry of Industry. The craftsmen also demanded that communication with public authorities be direct and without an intermediary.

The association’s president, Fouad Arbash, referred to the efforts made by the Syrian craftsman to preserve the heritage crafts during the war years, indicating that work is continuing to develop, elevate and promote them globally, while the craftsman Johnny Garbian explained that the association provides free training for those interested in the craftsmen’s workshops and financially supports talented graduates.

For his part, the Minister of Industry indicated that the ministry will work with the association to preserve, support and register heritage crafts in the heritage list, and to attract, rehabilitate and train young people, indicating that work with the association will continue with the aim of gathering craftsmen in specific sites, laying sound foundations for work, and correcting the name “Sheikh Al-Kar”.

K.Q.