Morocco Shines as Guest of Honor at Paris Fair with Artisanal Showcase
Doha – Morocco made a striking appearance as the guest of honor at the Foire de Paris (Paris Fair), France's favorite shopping and festive event, which opened on April 30 and runs until May 11.
Samira Sitail, Morocco's Ambassador to France, inaugurated the Moroccan pavilion on Wednesday, cutting the ceremonial ribbon alongside Tarik Sadik, Director of the Maison de l'Artisan, and Steven Abajol, Director of the Foire de Paris.
Among others attending were the presidents of the Chambers of Crafts from the regions of Dakhla-Oued Eddahab, Guelmim-Oued Noun, and Laâyoune-Sakia El Hamra.
'It's one of the most beautiful pavilions, if not the most beautiful at this fair,' Sitail told MAP during her tour of the national pavilion, where she explored various spaces and interacted with exhibitors.
She noted that Morocco is 'one of the few countries in the world with such rich and diverse heritage, whether in local products, crafts, or its history shaped by multiple influences.'
The diplomat particularly mentioned the Amazigh (Berber) carpets displayed as unique pieces that showcase 'women's work, now fully valued throughout the different stands in the national pavilion.'
From the art of caftan to zellige craftsmanship, and from the 'globally unique' argan tree exploitation to raphia crafts imported from Madagascar but transformed exclusively in Morocco, 'each product embodies inimitable expertise, rooted in the cultural and historical DNA of the Kingdom,' Sitail affirmed.
The ambassador also praised the festive atmosphere surrounding the Moroccan pavilion, which she believes reflects both the 'substantial' improvement in Franco-Moroccan relations in recent months and 'the special place Morocco holds in the hearts of the French.'
'In 2024, the French were the largest contingent of foreign tourists in Morocco,' she said, adding that the North African country has become 'Africa's top tourist destination.'
The 375-square-meter Moroccan pavilion hosts more than 20 exhibitors and a concept store representing various craft sectors, including carpets, weaving, household linens, leather goods, clothing, brassware, jewelry, cosmetics, decorative items, and thuya wood products.
Read also: Macron Visits Moroccan Pavilion at Paris Book Festival Recognizing Morocco as Guest of Honor
Tarik Sadik expressed his delight at Morocco's participation in this century-old event. 'We are happy to be present here at the Paris Fair, an event organized for more than 100 years,' he said.
He explained that the Maison de l'Artisan's participation aligns with efforts by the State Secretariat for Crafts and Social Economy to promote the sector globally. 'Moroccan craftsmanship is gaining increasing recognition, and our artisans possess highly sought-after expertise,' he said.
Sadik noted that this edition of the Paris Fair allows for the participation of 29 exhibitors representing different regions of Morocco with a wide variety of craft professions.
Sidati Chaggaf, President of the Federation of Chambers of Crafts, voiced his 'great joy and pride' in participating in this international exhibition, which he described as a 'reference platform for exchanging experiences and exploring new perspectives in industry and innovation.'
Thanks to King Mohammed VI's vision, Morocco today constitutes 'a point of convergence between deeply rooted craft traditions and promising forward-looking ambitions,' Chaggaf asserted.
Moha Er-rich, Director of Heritage Preservation, Innovation and Promotion at the Ministry of Tourism, Crafts and Social Economy, stated that this edition 'showcases national heritage on French soil' and aims primarily to 'promote our craft products and raise Morocco's profile through its tangible and intangible heritage.'
The rich and varied program includes live music performed by Moroccan artists, craft demonstration workshops, and a cooking show offering daily opportunities to discover Moroccan gastronomy through workshops preparing and tasting traditional Moroccan dishes.
The Foire de Paris, one of France's most important commercial and public events, has been held annually for over 120 years.
This fair sees the participation of more than 1,200 exhibitors with nearly 3,500 brands spread across 6 halls covering over 100,000 square meters for twelve days, with organizers expecting record attendance of up to 500,000 visitors this year.
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