Cultural Heritage Ministry Signs MoU to Implement Imam Khomeini’s Vision

In a significant development aimed at enhancing sustainable employment through handicrafts and tourism, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Ministry of Cultural Heritage and the Execution of Imam Khomeini’s Order (EIKO). This strategic collaboration seeks to bolster the potential of the handicrafts sector while promoting tourism in various villages across Iran.

The signing ceremony took place on Tuesday, featuring the presence of Minister of Cultural Heritage, Seyyed Reza Salehi-Amiri, and EIKO Head, Parviz Fattah. During the event, Salehi-Amiri emphasized the critical need for cooperation with EIKO to address issues of deprivation and to uphold the ideals of the revolution.

“If we do not pay attention to this area, we have not paid attention to the ideals of the revolution,” stated Salehi-Amiri, highlighting the urgent need for action.

He further elaborated on the ministry’s commitment to preserving village identity and preventing rural migration. Salehi-Amiri remarked, “One of our slogans is the continuity and vitality of the village identity, and we must plan to prevent migration and strengthen the villages.”

Focusing on the job-generating potential of the handicrafts sector, he stated, “We are seeking reverse migration and preserving the village identity, and handicrafts can help this goal.” This approach underscores the vital role that traditional crafts can play in revitalizing rural communities.

Salehi-Amiri also emphasized the importance of enhancing cooperation with various organizations, including:

• The Mostazafan Foundation
• Imam Khomeini Relief Committee (IKRC)
• The Execution of Imam Khomeini’s Order (EIKO)

He pointed out that alongside handicrafts, ecotourism represents a significant opportunity for employment creation in rural areas. “Handicrafts and tourism are crucial for creating sustainable employment,” he asserted, calling for collaborative efforts in marketing and exporting these traditional crafts.

With over 3,000 ecotourism sites identified across the country, Salehi-Amiri declared, “Our slogan is every village is an ecotourism site, and we have tried to revive handicrafts in every village.” This initiative aims to transform each village into a unique destination that showcases local culture and craftsmanship.

Moreover, he highlighted the critical role of women in the handicrafts sector, noting that “80 percent of the handicrafts activists are women.” However, he acknowledged that the primary challenge lies in sales and marketing. “We ask the EIKO to play a role in the field of marketing, domestic sales, and exports of handicrafts,” he urged.

Salehi-Amiri pointed out that Iran is recognized as one of the leading countries in the field of handicrafts, boasting over 299 active handicrafts fields. He stressed the need for strategic planning to enhance sales and exports to ensure the sustainability of this vital sector.

Additionally, he mentioned the untapped potential of halal tourism, stating, “One of our important capacities is halal tourism. We have more than 57 Muslim countries, and halal tourism is a great capacity for Iran that can be developed with the participation of the EIKO.”

This partnership between the Ministry of Cultural Heritage and EIKO is poised to create a transformative impact on the handicrafts and tourism sectors, fostering sustainable employment and preserving the unique cultural identity of Iran’s villages.

In conclusion, the signing of this MoU is not just a formal agreement; it is a commitment to revitalize rural areas, empower women, and promote Iran’s rich heritage through the lens of handicrafts and tourism. The collaborative efforts envisioned under this partnership could pave the way for a brighter future for local artisans and communities alike.