Working Visit to the International Handicraft Festival in Kokand, Uzbekistan

UZBEKISTAN, 20 September 2025 - A delegation from Sarawak led by the Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Dato Sri Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah is making a working visit to the III International Festival of Handicrafts in Kokand, Uzbekistan.

The visit is undertaken at the invitation of the Mayor of Kokand, His Excellency, Maruf Usmonov, and the Chairman of the Hunarmand Association of Uzbekistan, Rasuljon Mirzaakhmedov.

The International Handicraft Festival held from 19 to 21 September 2025 gathers more than 300 artisans from 71 countries alongside Uzbek masters. The programme features exhibitions, masterclasses, folk performances, fashion shows, documentary presentations, gastronomy showcases and artisan competitions. Organised biennially under a Presidential Decree of Uzbekistan, the event is coordinated by the Kokand Mayor Office, Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Hunarmand Association, and the Fergana regional authorities. Over the years it has successfully position Kokand as a hub for global cultural exchange.

Accompanying the Minister are Deputy Permanent Secretary, Julin Alen; CEO of Sarawak Craft Council Suriya Charles; CEO of Sarawak Tourism Board, Sharzede Datu Haji Salleh Askor; Acting CEO of Sarawak Arts Council, Awang Ikman Awang Sepian; and other senior officials.

Sarawak is committed to supporting its 34 ethnic communities through sustainable craft and creative industry. This is to ensure that heritage protection is closely linked with improving livelihoods. By connecting traditional craft heritage with modern markets, Sarawak is aiming to build a vibrant creative ecosystem that preserves authenticity while ensuring relevance for future generations.

The working visit in Kokand serves as an important platform for international collaboration, strengthening partnerships with other countries, and creating opportunities for artisans to exchange knowledge and inspire one another. Such initiatives ensure that traditional craft heritage not only endure but continue to thrive in the global arena.