Afghans sell $1.7m carpets at Dubai conference

KABUL-US Carpet Conference held in Dubai last month, the Afghan embassy in Washington said on Thursday.

The three-day conference, held from September 20 to 22, 2012, connected 20 of the best Afghan carpet-making companies with top American and European importers and retailers.

A statement from the embassy said Afghan producers billed the conference as a unique opportunity to better understand the dynamics of the carpet trade. They hoped for the growth and development of the rug industry.

“Afghan rugs showcase the highest quality of hand-woven artistry seen anywhere in the world.”

The embassy and the Ministry of Commerce and Industries in Kabul have been working with the Afghanistan Investment and Reconstruction Task Force of the US Department of Commerce on a programme called ‘Sheep to Shop,’ aiming to bring American buyers and Afghan producers together.

Rob Leahy of Fine Rugs of Charleston, one of the programme’s lead proponents, said:  “The opportunity for the carpet trade in Afghanistan comes at a time when world demand for manufactured goods, including hand knotted rugs, is rising again.”

pr/mud