

Burkinabe handicrafts score success at Cairo Fair

Cairo, Egypt (PANA) - Handicrafts from Burkina Faso at the 8th Pan-African Trade Fair which opened in Cairo last week have sparked a lot of interest among Egyptians.

According to Exhibitor Aminata Pare, she has had to hire an extra hand to cater for the various demands by a public that has been completely enticed by her products.

"I cannot deal with the situation alone and if I try to, it will lead to accounting errors," Pare, in her forties, said.

Suddenly, a client came close to her small counter, which also serves as an office. Pare walked towards him. After a brief private conversation, the client left, saying "I'll come back later to get the objects."

In addition to leather products, Burkinabe basketwork seems to have conquered the public, particularly the women, who are full of praise for the baskets, which they say are very convenient for shopping.

A 50-year-old woman took hold of a basket and said to her husband: "This looks beautiful and not cumbersome at all. Why don't we buy it? What do you think?"

The man nodded in approval as Pare received 15 Egyptian pounds (about three dollars) from the couple.

Traditional musical instruments like balafons attracted other visitors, and so did bronze crafts which Burkinabe craftsmen are famous for.

Contrary to those of other countries attending the trade fair, the clients of the Burkinabe delegation are wholesalers who are convinced that the products they buy will sell very easily in their shops.

Cairo - 29/04/2002