Its frustrating to see Moroccan-design products, such as Safi-style dinnerware sold by Pottery Barn a few years back, that are manufactured in China. It signals to me that the Moroccan economy isn’t benefiting from centuries of design traditions. But, issues of capacity and quality control need to be addressed before Moroccan artisans can reach out directly to consumers, let alone big retailers.

I hope projects, such as the Business Growth Initiative can help artisans – in Morocco and around the world – make a living from their work and benefit from the global economy.

I haven’t read the full report yet, but wanted to share the publication Aid to Artisans: Building Profitable Craft Businesses. Notes From the Field because it shows some awareness of the challenges facing traditional artisans. This April 2009 publication was prepared by the Business Growth Initiative Project and financed by the Office of Economic Growth of EGAT/USAID. This report is also available on the Business Growth Initiative project website at www.BusinessGrowthInitiative.org.