As part of the ongoing efforts of the Egyptian Commercial Service (ECS) in Athens to strengthen economic and cultural ties between Egypt and Greece, the ECS —headed by Commercial Counselor Marwa Abu El-Sadat—organized an expanded bilateral meeting between the International Creativity Academy (ICA) and the Greek organization Hellenic Handicrafts. The meeting aimed to explore opportunities for cooperation in the fields of handicrafts, artisanal industries, and artistic creativity.
The meeting was attended by Dr. Hani Barakat, representing the International Creativity Academy (ICA), and Ms. Sofia Charokopou, Head of Business Development at the Foundation of the Hellenic World – Hellenic Cosmos Cultural Center, representing the Greek side.
During the discussions, both sides reviewed potential avenues of collaboration. Dr. Barakat expressed the Academy’s interest in establishing an artistic and technical partnership with the Greek side focused on exchanging expertise in design, artisanal production, and training. He emphasized the Academy’s commitment to supporting young Egyptian artisans—both men and women—by enhancing their innovation and marketing skills while preserving the traditional identity and heritage of Egyptian crafts.
Ms. Charokopou welcomed the proposal, reaffirming the Foundation of the Hellenic World’s readiness to provide technical support and specialized expertise through joint workshops and expert exchange programs. She highlighted the Foundation’s keen interest in deepening cultural and artistic ties between Egypt and Greece, in alignment with both countries’ focus on advancing the creative economy.
At the conclusion of the meeting, Commercial Counselor Marwa Abu El-Sadat underscored the importance of this cooperation in strengthening the artistic and technical capabilities of Egyptian artisans. She affirmed that the Egyptian Commercial Office will continue facilitating communication and coordination between Egyptian and Greek institutions working in cultural and creative sectors to ensure the sustainability of these partnerships and maximize their mutual benefits.
In this context, Minister Plenipotentiary for Commercial Affairs Dr. Abdel Aziz El-Sherif, First Undersecretary and Head of the Egyptian Commercial Service, highlighted the significance of the handicrafts sector in Egyptian-Greek relations. He noted that the sector forms a key pillar of the creative economy and contributes meaningfully to enhancing both trade and cultural exchange.
Dr. El-Sherif added that bilateral trade between the two countries reached approximately USD 1.08 billion in 2024, including USD 516 million in Egyptian exports to Greece and around USD 564 million in Egyptian imports from Greece—mainly fuel and oils, fertilizers, vegetables and fruits, cotton, and other products.
He also stressed the importance of advancing bilateral cooperation through:
- Joint training programs to equip young artisans—men and women—with skills in design, innovation, and marketing.
- Establishing a platform for exchanging artistic and technical expertise, along with organizing joint workshops and field visits.
- Implementing pilot projects to produce co-created handicraft products suitable for local and European markets.
- Facilitating access to EU markets through Greece and expanding marketing channels for Egyptian handicrafts.
- Ensuring sustainable financing and technical support through cooperation among government agencies, the private sector, and creative institutions.
ECS
Translated by SIS
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