Gray economy and the lack of young qualified staff are still the biggest problems facing Macedonian craftsmen. Many of them are paid under the table, however the sector thinks there is perspective after having a significant support by the Government.

The interest is mainly focused on handicrafts that make profits, it was said at Thursday's annual assembly of the Balkan Office for Small Enterprises and Crafts (BOSEC). Handmade items, technical crafts, services and construction are the most attractive.

Young people are usually taking up modern and technical professions rather than traditional crafts, such as hairdressing and mechatronics that includes a combination of mechanics, electronics and information technologies.

"Crafts play a vital role in creating and expressing a nation's identity and it also serves as support to the local sustainable economic development and a fight against unemployment. Even though it is oftentimes perceived as a small scale industry, it makes billions of dollars and euros on markets worldwide. The sector is particularly important for the rural environment of developing economies. Our country recognizes this potential," Deputy PM Vladimir Pesevski stated.

Alleviating administrative procedures for artisans or the so called regulatory guillotine, the self-employment program and the continuous dialogue with the Government are some of the several measures aiming at developing the sector.

"The Government will continue to support crafts, although the sector is usually put aside. We have managed to increase competitiveness, improve the production process, preserve the profession, transfer knowledge and skills to younger generations, in general to improve the sector through the project Authentic Handicrafts that has allowed direct subsidization," Pesevski pointed out.

Evelina Prvanova of the Balkan Office for Small Enterprises and Crafts stressed the need of state support for crafts.

"The economic success is based on solid small enterprises, which are mainly made up of artisans. One of the problems in all European countries is the lack of qualified staff, which requires the need of training and education for young people. Practice also is very important," she said.

"With Government’s subsidies and support a perspective in Macedonian crafts can be found by opening family businesses. We need to join forces to eradicate gray economy to prevent registered artisans from being affected," stated Vesna Simova, chairwoman of the Macedonian Chamber of Crafts.

Over 300 craft trades are registered in Macedonia and the number of active artisans is about 7,000. The Government policies aim at doubling the number by mitigating the conditions for running a business, according to Deputy PM Pesevski.

Founded in 2001, the Balkan Office for Small Enterprises and Crafts is made up of 24 organizations from the region and Germany.