KUCHING: Kuching will host Malaysia’s first international AsiaCraft expo, conference from Sept 12-14, next year.
Sarawak Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Snowdan Lawan said the event will be held at the Borneo Convention Center (BCCK).
He said it is expected to attract 5,000 trade buyers including 500 from overseas.
“Kuching is the perfect venue for this event as it is one of the 57 world craft cities recognized by the World Crafts Council.
“More importantly, Sarawak has a long line of traditional arts, crafts and housewares that resonates with Borneo’s identity,” he said.
Snowdan also said the arts and handicraft industry plays a crucial role in the state’s economy as it employs thousands of Sarawakians mainly in SMEs and home-based industries.
“Furthermore, it is part of the Sarawak government’s post COVID-19 development strategy to preserve heritage and culture, and conserve biodiversity.
Hence, this is an excellent event to achieve governmental objectives and help Sarawak’s arts and crafts communities interact with influential buyers and collaborators,” Snowdan said.
He added that according to market research from ResearchandMarkets.com, the global handicrafts market size reached USD 680 billion in 2021.
“This is expected to reach USD1,252 by 2027, exhibiting a growth of 10.41 percent during the 2022-2027.
“As such, we hope that through this expo, Sarawak can gain a slice of this market.
The ASIACRAFT 2023 will focus on the business to business element of the handicraft industry, however, it will also open to the public on the last two days; for those looking to make purchases or simply appreciate the artistic and creative works of the artisans.
