Iran $1bln through carpet exports

Speaking to FNA in Iran's Western city of Kermanshah, Aqa Alikhani reminded that Iran is the leading country in export of hand-woven carpets, and said the Iranian government plans to increase the country's carpet exports to one billion dollars this Iranian year (started on March 20). Iran has exported $560 million worth of hand-woven carpets in the last (Iranian) year (March 21, 2011 - March 19, 2012). The country exported handmade carpets to more than 80 countries last year. Aqa Alikhani stated that his center has considered new target markets for Iran's carpet exports this year, but underlined that China still remains among the most important markets for Iran's hand-woven carpet exports. He added that Vietnam and Brazil are the two other potential markets for the promotion of Iran's carpet exports. Iran is the leading exporter of hand-woven carpets. Persian rugs are highly sought out for their intricate design and skilled craftsmanship. Carpet-weaving is undoubtedly one of the most distinguished manifestations of the Persian culture and art, and dates back to ancient Persia. There is an estimated population of 1.2 million weavers in Iran producing carpets for domestic markets and international export. The country produces about five million square meters of carpets annually, of which 80 percent are sold in international markets. The United States, Europe (specially Germany and Italy), China, South and Central Africa, along with neighboring countries are the most important markets for Iranian made Persian Carpets.