Abdul Karim (fifth right), Hii (fourth right) and Heidi (sixth right) in a group photo with some of Bibco’s sponsors.
KUCHING: The Sarawak government through its Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, will continue to promote the development of the local handicraft industry.
Its minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said this would help craftsmen earn a decent income from their craft.
“We have approximately 1,500 local people who are involved in the production of handicrafts for sale, including beads craftsmen.
“Therefore, my ministry and the Sarawak Crafts Council will continue to promote the development of our local handicraft industry so that our craftsmen are able to earn a decent income from their wonderful creations,” he said at the 6th Borneo International Beads Conference (Bibco) gala dinner and fashion show on Saturday.
Abdul Karim remarked that there is good economic potential in developing a lucrative artisanal beads industry.
“Over the years, Sarawak has welcomed over 4 million visitors each year, and we believe many of our foreign visitors are drawn here by the attractions of our local bead works and products.
“We all know there is good economic potential in developing a lucrative artisanal beads industry and that is why the Sarawak government and my ministry have been very strong supporters of Bibco all these years,” he said.
Also present were Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture permanent secretary Hii Chang Kee and Bibco director Heidi Munan.