“Traditional crafts as a vehicle for regional developm

Belgrade, November 29 – International conference – “Traditional crafts as a vehicle for regional development and branding” was held today in the National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia. Organizer of this meeting of handicraft producers, representatives of institutions, companies and guests from the region and the European Union was Ethno Network, national association of handicrafts producers, and this is one of the activities within the project “Jobs in rural regions”, funded by the Delegation of the European Union to the Republic of Serbia.

- Ethno Network handicrafts have become a national brand, and the best proof is excellent cooperation with the protocol of the Serbian government, whose ministries use these traditional hand made products as presents during meetings with foreign officials – said Violeta Jovanovic, president of the Managing Board of Ethno Network, in her introductory speech, and added this is also the way of enriching touristic offer of Serbia.

Andrew Headey, Head of Operations III of the Delegation of the European Union to the Republic of Serbia, emphasised that rural regions account for some 90% of the total territory of the EU, but the employment rate in these areas is lower than in other types of region, especially among women. Also, income per inhabitant is around one third less than the European average.

- Improving the quality of life and encouraging diversification of the rural economy are among top priorities for EU rural development policy. As you all appreciate, national heritage, customs and traditional values are key elements of Serbian culture and through projects such as Ethno Network the EU is determined to support European countries in encouraging regional brands and trademarks. Enabling women in rural areas to make a livelihood by producing and selling traditional handicrafts, the project will help reduce depopulation and slow migration to big cities. It should also improve gender equality, traditionally a significan