The 18th edition of the National Craft Day (HKK 2020) will focus on the socio-economic empowerment of the people.

The event, held in conjunction with the Shared Prosperity Vision began yesterday February 26 and will go on until March 9 at the Kuala Lumpur Craft Complex.

Secretary-General of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC), Datuk Dr Noor Zari Hamat, who officiated the inaugural HKK2020, said he hoped the RM18 million sales target could be achieved.

“In conjunction with Visit Malaysia 2020, HKK 2020 is seen as the most effective program in promoting the country's tourism industry.

“It is hoped that craft makers will capitalize on the presence of tourists through the production of international-grade craft products, according to the latest trends, unique and well-known Malaysia. At the end of HKD 2020 it is hoped that the sales value of RM18 million will be achieved, "he said

The annual event also reinforces the Kraf Komuniti Ku (KKK) initiative to develop local communities as well as their unique products and heritage under the One District One Industry (SDSI) programme. Currently, Kraftangan Malaysia has 5,775 craft entrepreneurs in various fields and 20,000 KKK members.

Twelve exhibitions will be held during HKK 2020, including the Malaysian Craft Digital Hub, “Pameran Karya Ulung Kraf Ukiran Kayu”, “Pameran Produk Inspirasi Tokoh”, “Pameran Evolusi Kraf Ukiran Kayu” and “Pameran 40 tahun Kraftangan Malaysia”.

The event also offers craft product designs as gifts and souvenirs for tourists in conjunction with the Visit Malaysia 2020 (VM2020).