An exhibitor shows a carpet during an annual exhibition for handicrafts in the resort city of New Alamein, Matrouh province, Egypt, on July 28, 2021. Hundreds of Egyptian artisans have found an opportunity to showcase and market their handmade products in the country's biggest annual exhibition. (Xinhua/Ahmed Gomaa)
ALAMEIN, Egypt, July 31 (Xinhua) -- Hundreds of Egyptian artisans have found an opportunity to showcase and market their handmade products in the country's biggest annual exhibition in the Mediterranean resort city of New Alamein.
Dubbed Diarna which means "our homes" in Arabic, the exhibition showcases hundreds of handicrafts and heritage products made by 250 entrepreneurs, productive families and micro-enterprises, including textiles, furniture, home accessories, ceramics, women's accessories, leather, copper kitchenware, and silver and marble artworks.
Starting on July 25 and running until Aug. 25, the one-month event is organized by the Social Solidarity Ministry, aiming to revive traditional crafts and support small-sized handicraft manufacturers by providing outlets to market their products.
"Such events help me market my products in other cities," Nema Ahmed, an exhibitor and maker of women's garments with embroidery, told Xinhua at the 1,000-square-meter main hall.
Ahmed, who lives in Upper Egypt's Sohag Province, said the turnout is good and visitors showed admiration for her handmade products.
"Customers cannot find such items everywhere ... Handmade products are unique and rare, and that is why many people visit the exhibition," said the young woman.
Owning a store in her hometown, Ahmed noted that this is her second year to join the annual event which allows her to meet new customers and find out their preferences.
Such exhibitions help business owners sell their goods amid the recession caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, she said.
Ahmed expressed her hope that the exhibition could be held more than once a year since it gives a boost to the national economy in general.
For visitors, the exhibition is also a good chance to find breathtaking pieces of artwork at reasonable prices.
"I have bought some leather bags and wallets at very affordable prices," Maha Rashidy, a social development expert, told Xinhua.
The woman said most of the products on view are of high quality, hoping that such exhibitions would be held regularly to enable business owners to sell their products.
Ismail Ahmed, a businessman, moved across the exhibition to buy accessories and home decorations.
"This is my first time to visit the exhibition and I'm really surprised that we have artisans capable of making such incredible pieces of artwork," he said.
The businessman noted that holding such an event in a resort city during holidays is very smart as it enables both buyers and sellers to find what they are looking for.
"The resort is full of holiday makers who would love to buy exceptional handmade items ... It is also important for sellers who can find buyers easily," he told Xinhua. Enditem
