Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- Uzbekistan and Malaysia will promote handicraft export products in their markets. This was announced during a videoconference in the capital of Malaysia, Dunyo reports.

The event, organized by the Embassy of Uzbekistan in Malaysia, was attended by representatives of the Hunarmand Association, the khokimiyat of the Ferghana Region and the Malaysia Handicraft Development Corporation (MHDC).

MHDC is a structural unit of the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Arts of Malaysia. The corporation is aimed at developing the handicraft industry and applied arts, assisting Malaysian artisans through the introduction of modern production methods, and promoting domestic products in the local and foreign markets. The organization unites about 21 thousand craftsmen.

During the event, information was provided on the ongoing reforms in Uzbekistan to preserve the cultural and historical heritage through the development of handicrafts, folk art crafts and applied arts, as well as ensuring employment of the population, especially youth, women and low-income families through their wide involvement in this industry.

MHDC CEO Ibrahim bin Ismail praised the large-scale investment program for the development of pottery production in Uzbekistan. Its first step will be the creation of a Handicraft Center in the Rishtan District of the Ferghana Region.

The Malaysian side expressed interest in developing cooperation with the Hunarmand Association and representatives of the handicraft industry of the Ferghana Region, as well as its willingness to invite domestic artisans to participate in international exhibitions.

As a result of the videoconference, the parties agreed to create a “corner” of the applied arts and crafts of Uzbekistan in the territory of Kuala Lumpur artisan complex.

It also became known about the provision of free trading platforms for the regular participation of artisans of the two countries in major exhibitions.