RAMALLAH, Leaders International today conducted a virtual seminar to introduce the Mediterranean project of CRE@CTIVE and engage all relevant stakeholders from the leather, shoes, textile, and clothing sectors, according to a press release.

The project is funded by the European Union under the ENI CBC MED Program with a total budget of €3.2 million, of which €2.9 million (90%) is contributed by the EU.

In Palestine, the project is implemented by Leaders International and the Higher Council for Innovation & Excellence. Other Mediterranean countries that are also part of the project are Spain, Italy, Egypt, Jordan, and Tunisia.

CRE@CTIVE – innovation for bringing creativity to activate traditional sectors in the Mediterranean area – aims at fortifying the textile, footwear, leather, and clothing industries by integrating creativity as an essential element for production and utilizing it as a catalyst for economic growth.

During the engagement seminar, Leaders International presented the findings of a market study on the two targeted sectors, introduced the design of the creative lab that will be established as part of the project, and promoted the call for applications.

“The Engagement Seminar has brought together MSMEs, students, and designers to actively participate in the emerging discussions on project implementation”, said Leaders International in a statement.

Engagement seminars are also organized by other Mediterranean partners to further promote their creative labs, with the presence of micro, small, and medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and cultural creative industries (CCIs).

Through the creation of six creative labs in partner countries, the project will provide innovators, designers, MSMEs, and students with the needed tools and space for small-scale production, knowledge transfer, and creativity. Project beneficiaries will also be able to access the services offered by cross-border labs.

CRE@CTIVE comes at a crucial turning point to assist and develop traditional industries that have suffered significantly during the economic stagnation caused by the coronavirus pandemic; especially that these sectors are already facing many challenges due to the increasing global competition from other regions of the world.

Source: Palestinian News & Info Agency