The legendary Foudoq Chejra fabric market in Tangier is dying. Clinging to their traditional weaving looms, its craftsmen lie in wait for the barge, which has become nowhere to be found. Our activity is at a complete standstill. It is the tourists who made us live. But today, the internal and external borders have been closed
, laments Ahmed El Asri, resolved not to go out of business because of the coronavirus.
A vital sector for Morocco
Nor does the Moroccan government intend to abandon a vital sector which employs 2.4 million people in the sectors of leather, copper, pottery, wood, textiles etc. For the past few days, artisans and cooperatives have been able to sell their products on seven electronic platforms selected by the Ministry of Tourism and Handicrafts: Jumia, Green Grocery, Chic Intemporel, My Tindy, Tribaliste, Anou and Gold In.
Free online store creation
They benefit from the free creation of online stores and catalogs to exhibit their products. The ministry also promises these future e-artisans online sales training and promotional campaigns. This is a good thing
, recognizes Amine Baqali, weaver who has long yielded to the sirens of the Net. It can only help us. Because today, the situation is tragic. I lost 80% of my turnover. The guesthouses we work with are in the process of closing …
The reality of the digital divide
There remains, however, the unknown of the digital divide which could be an insurmountable obstacle for many. Our job is traditional. Most of the old artisans like me are illiterate. The Internet is foreign to us. It will be complicated for some
, avoue Ahmed El Asri.
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