Luxembourg Secretary of State for Economy, Francine Closener, together with representatives of the Chamber of Crafts and the Federation of Craftsmen, presented "Pakt PRO Crafts”, a programme to promote employment within the crafts sector, and also to boost the development and encourage the creation, transmission and takeover of companies in this domain.
Crafts are the largest employer in Luxembourg, currently accounting for about 90,000 employees in more than 7,000 companies. Developed jointly by the Ministry of the Economy, the Chamber of Crafts and the Federation of Craftsmen, the Pact is in line with the "4th SME Action Plan" and with the steps taken following to the Rifkin Strategic Study.
The "Pakt PRO Handicraft" has several components including the promotion and branding of crafts, a system of aid and guarantees to encourage the transfer and takeover of companies will be analysed and adapted where necessary. It also takes account of culture and quality of service and companies will be helped to improve their customer relations, technological support, including digitsation.
Secretary Closener, emphasised the role of crafts in the future.
"Luxembourg's craftsmanship is resolutely oriented towards the future. By adhering to the Pact, industry representatives show that they have become aware of the era of time and the challenges associated with digitisation. Because of its economic weight, the sector deserves to be adequately supported in its approach to craftsmanship."
Roland Kuhn, president of the Chamber of Crafts, said "This pact shows that the government in general and the Ministry of Economy in particular wish to highlight the primordial status of craftsmanship within of the national socio-economic fabric. We share a common philosophy and will to further boost the development of the sector."
