The Treichville Palace of Culture hosted a highly symbolic ceremony on Tuesday, bringing together artisans from the 245 trades that comprise the Ivorian craft sector. These key players in local development gathered to pay a vibrant tribute to His Excellency Mr. Alassane Ouattara, President of the Republic, whom they affectionately refer to as “the first craftsman of Côte d’Ivoire,” in recognition of his unwavering commitment to valuing manual labor and promoting the craft sector.
The event, marked by gratitude and loyalty, was attended by high-ranking government officials, including the President of the Economic, Social, Environmental and Cultural Council (CESEC), Dr. Eugène Aka Aouélé; the Minister of State, Minister of Defense, Mr. Téné Birahima Ouattara; and the Minister, Chief of Staff to the President of the Republic, Mr. Fidèle Gboroton Sarrassoro. Their participation in this meeting reflects the strategic importance the Government places on this sector, a pillar of the national economy.
Crafts: A Key Lever for Economic and Social Development
On behalf of artisans from all regions of the country, representatives of the various trades expressed their profound gratitude to the Head of State for the public policies implemented to modernize the craft sector. Under the enlightened leadership of President Alassane Ouattara, Ivorian crafts have undergone a genuine transformation in recent years, marked by the professionalization of trades, the establishment of appropriate financing mechanisms, the creation of modern infrastructure, and the recognition of the artisan’s status. These advances have contributed to making crafts a major player in job creation, the fight against poverty, and local development. The artisans also commended the inclusive vision of the President of the Republic, who places people at the heart of development, while working towards a more competitive and sustainable economy.
Structural Reforms for a Competitive and Sustainable Craft Sector
Speaking on behalf of the Government, the Minister of Trade and Industry, Dr. Souleymane Diarrassouba, who also serves as Minister for Crafts, emphasized the major reforms undertaken by his ministry to consolidate the sector’s achievements and elevate it to the status of a strategic economic driver for the country. He specifically mentioned the implementation of training and certification programs for artisans, the creation of production and marketing spaces, the facilitation of access to financing, and the promotion of the “Made in Côte d’Ivoire” label, a guarantee of quality and international competitiveness. These initiatives aim to make crafts a sector that provides sustainable employment and a better life for those involved, while also contributing to the industrialization and diversification of the national economy.
A Call to Mobilization for Continued Progress
In an atmosphere of fervor and unity, Minister Souleymane Diarrassouba commended the artisans’ commitment and determination to support the development initiatives launched by the Head of State. He urged participants to remain mobilized around the ideals of peace, work, and progress embodied by President Alassane Ouattara. The Minister also called on artisans to vote overwhelmingly for candidate Alassane Ouattara in the presidential election on October 25th, to enable him to continue and consolidate the development initiatives undertaken throughout the country, particularly those promoting and modernizing the craft sector.
Craftsmanship: A Symbol of Expertise and Resilience
This day of tribute will be remembered as a powerful moment of unity between the Head of State and the artisans of Côte d’Ivoire. Beyond the celebration, this meeting illustrates the recognition of a dynamic and resilient sector, fully committed to implementing the vision of a united, prosperous, and inclusive Côte d’Ivoire. The artisans thus reaffirmed their commitment to remaining key partners in national development, under the leadership of His Excellency Mr. Alassane Ouattara, whose vision is transforming the lives of Ivorians every day and shaping the future of the country.
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