Iran, Azarbaijan increase in carpet exports

Head of Iran's East Azarbijan Commerce Organization Sadeq Najafi announced a 6-time increase in the volume of hand-woven carpet exports from the province to China, but said his province is still eager to increase export to the East Asian nation.Speaking to FNA on Tuesday, Najafi said that China has desirable conditions for importing the East Azarbaijan products, including nuts, carpets and industrial goods. "At present, the volume of carpet exports to china has been six-folded which displays the best conditions for Iran's valuable product (in the Chinese market)," he noted. He pointed to the outcomes of a recent visit to China by a delegation from his province, and said that several agreements on different issues have been signed with the Chinese officials. "A number of MoUs (Memoranda of Understanding) have been inked with China's Chamber of Commerce and a number of Islamic countries, which heralds bright prospects for the economy of this region," Najafi said. He also added that during the visit to China, the Iranian delegation tried to attract foreign investment for the development of Aras Free Trade Zone.In July, Head of Iran's National Carpet Center Feysal Mardasi announced that the value of exports of hand-woven carpets from Iran to China has increased 12 times during the last Iranian year (ended on March 20, 2011). Yet, the official said that the growth still doesn't fit the great demand in the large Chinese market for Iranian carpets. Iran is the leading exporter of hand-woven carpets in the world. 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.