Funding from the authorities for craftsmen

Craftsmen are enjoying the attention after a period when they seemed doomed to disappear. The Minister of Labor and Social Solidarity, Simona Bucura - Oprescu, states that Romanian crafts and producers must be supported concretely, with funding for attracting and training the workforce, but also to ensure their presence at international fairs. The minister opened this topic after visiting the Tapel company, a family company from Sibiu, 100% Romanian, the only one in the country that still produces leather and leather goods: "I was impressed by the quality and beauty of the products I found in the factory in Sibiu, where only 20 people work. This place reconfirms the fact that the skill of the Romanians remains an asset that can always put us at the top of the international rankings, but which, unfortunately, we do not support enough and do not know how to capitalize in our interest. The Romanian state must get more involved, both in supporting small but authentic producers, by buying their products or ensuring their presence at international fairs, as well as in the resuscitation of crafts, by adequately supporting those who still practice successfully. I asked my colleagues from the Ministry of Labor to think of projects and identify financing through European funds, through which we can develop this sector of trades and crafts". The products obtained in the factory in Sibiu are mainly leather items, and the raw material is processed by companies with a tradition in leather tanning and stainless metal accessories. Due to the quality and variety of the products, more than 60% of the production is exported, and in Romania their products are sold online and in several hunting stores. The news is very good for domestic craftsmen, who admit that it is quite difficult for them to be present at many fairs where they can present their goods.