Handicrafts to boost economic development in Shkodra

SHKODRA, Dec 20 – Artizania Shkodrane 2009 Handicrafts Fair was launched last week in northern Shkodra.
The three-day event at the Rozafa Palace features different traditional handicraft products, textiles, traditional wool carpets, silver and copper jewelry and accessories, national costumes, embroidery, and handcrafted wood products.
The Fair was organized by the Intellectual Women of Shkodra (IWS), a grantee of USAID’s Local Governance Program in Albania (LGPA) and supported by the Municipality of Shkodra.
The Fair contributed significantly in promoting the handicrafts produced by Shkodra women in urban and rural areas, as well as attracted visitors and potential buyers.
More than 25 exhibitors from the Shkodra region and vendors from Kosovo and Montenegro displayed their handicraft products and generated income for primarily female owned businesses.
Handicrafts are unique expressions and represent a culture, tradition and heritage of a country.
They are hugely important in terms of economic development, providing opportunities for employment even with low capital investments.
“The handicrafts from Shkodra region are well known all over Albania, especially to foreign tourists that find them amazing. It is one of many attractions that Shkodra offers and we should continue our efforts to keep up the tradition,” stated the coordinator of Artizania Shkodrane 2009 Handicrafts Fair, Zenepe Dibra, Executive Director of the Intellectual Women of Shkodra (IWS).
This Fair is one of many activities that USAID’s Local Governance Program in Albania (LGPA) has.