The Industrial Modernization Center (IMC) launched a new
website for the Creative Egypt project to facilitate online sales of
traditional and handmade products. The launch coincides with the 10th
anniversary of the initiative, which aims to preserve Egypt’s heritage and open
new markets for participating communities and companies.
The new platform features over 900 products across seven key
sectors: leather, textiles, glass, ceramics, wood, stone, and metal crafts.
Duaa Salima, Executive Director of the IMC, stated that the
products offered on the platform are authentic and high-quality handmade
crafts, including tulle, pottery, ceramics, sarsou wood, alabaster, embroidery,
and traditional shawls and blankets.
Salima emphasized that heritage crafts are among Egypt’s
most vital industries. She noted that the IMC has supported the sector for over
20 years by preserving traditional crafts, offering technical support, and
improving product design for craft communities across all governorates. The
center has also provided specialized training to develop artisans' skills,
modernize designs for contemporary and international markets, and enhance
product quality to meet export standards. These efforts culminate in nationwide
sales and participation in major exhibitions, now supported by the new
e-commerce platform.
Creative Egypt is the outcome of the IMC’s Creative and
Heritage Industries Program, which has integrated and developed numerous small
and micro-enterprises across the country. The initiative led to the
establishment of a permanent exhibition to support artisans and promote their
work under a state-sponsored framework. In 2015, Creative Egypt became Egypt’s
first registered trademark for handmade crafts and is currently headquartered
at the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization.
Creative Egypt brings together unique creations from 140
suppliers, including craft groups and entrepreneurs from across Egypt. The
project has supported 120 startups in transitioning to the formal economy and
helped 50 others establish their own brands.