Opportunities abound in craft sector ­– Minister Meriton

Minister Meriton and his entourage visiting a pottery workshop at Union Vale

Social Affairs and Employment minister Vincent Meriton is inviting youths with talents and creativity to exploit the existing opportunities in the craft sector, where he said raw materials especially for woodwork are readily available.

The minister said this following a visit he made last Friday to the industrial zone at Union Vale where some 15 small entrepreneurs are currently developing businesses in textile, pottery, liquor, detergent, woodwork and in tool sharpening.

The Ministry of Industries and International Business, he said, has started a commendable woodwork project with the assistance of a French consultant that could help create more jobs for young people.

With regard to the textile business, Minister Meriton said he had noted certain problems, but the increasing demand for textile products from consumers, he added, were keeping the entrepreneurs motivated and exploiting new ideas.

Minister Meriton said the series of visits, which began about two weeks ago with a visit at the local paint manufacturing factory Penlac, would enable him to better familiarize himself with the developments, needs and problems in the employment sector as well as strengthen the relations between his ministry and partners in the industry.

As a minister, he said, he would be in a good position to influence future decisions that would benefit the employment sector.

The minister’s next visit will target the hotel and hospitality businesses.

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