Addressing the inaugural ceremony, Iranian Industry, Mine and Trade Minister Mehdi Qazanfari said that Iran contributes a 24 percent share to the international trade of hand-woven carpets, and added that Iran has managed to export its products to a large number of world countries despite sanctions.
The minister said that two-third of Iran's annual production of hand-woven carpets, which stands at five million square meters, is exported to foreign countries.
According to the minister, hand-woven carpet is Iran's second most important export item after oil.
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.
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 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.
mehr/281
The 21st International Hand-Woven Carpet Exhibition of Iran officially started work in Tehran on Sunday morning.
News ID 182805
