Herat witnesses sharp increase in handmade carpet exports

HERAT (Pajhwok): Handmade carpets worth more than $270,000 were exported from western Herat province to international markets this year, the Chamber of Commerce and Investment said on Tuesday.

Yousuf Amin, executive director of the Chamber of Commerce and Investment, explained exports of handmade carpets from Herat significantly increased this year.

According to him, carpets valued more than $270,000 have been exported so far, compared to $155,000 last year — marking an increase of more than $116,000. Most of the carpets were shipped to Australia, Germany, and Austria, he added.

Meanwhile, local officials expressed satisfaction over the growing exports of handicrafts, especially handmade carpets, saying efforts are underway to expand their presence in international exhibitions to boost global market access.

Governor spokesman Mohammad Yousuf Syedi said the local administration is working with the private sector and the Chamber of Commerce to further facilitate exports of this valuable product.

Afghanistan’s handmade carpets are among the country’s most important cultural and economic exports, known worldwide for their high quality, traditional designs, and natural colors.

hz/ma