Lack of market: Kunduz’s carpet industry in decline

KUNDUZ CITY (Pajhwok): Artisans in northern Kunduz province say lack of market, suitable location and high prices of raw materials have led to a decline in their business and prices of carpets significantly decreased in recent months.

Noor Goldi, who weaves carpets in one of the remote areas of Chahardara district of Kunduz, told Pajhwok the prices of carpets had decreased significantly and he was not even able to meet his expenses.

He added: “Our carpets are the first-class in the world in terms of quality; but we don’t have materials; The price of the carpet is very low, our carpet is sold under the name of Pakistan; we don’t have a place, the government should support us.”

He said in the past they sold a carpet for 100,000 afghanis, but currently the same carpet could not be sold for 50,000 afghanis.

Mohammad Nazar, another carpet industrialist, said in the past the national carpet industry had good work and high value.

He added lately the carpet had lost its value due to high prices of raw materials and the lack of suitable market.

“Materials are essential for carpet weavers; secondly, there is a need for a suitable place where people can learn carpet weaving profession.Our request is that the carpet industry be supported and exhibitions should be arranged.”

A number of other carpet manufacturers in Kunduz province are also complaining about the decline in their business and they urge support and assistance from the government.

Meanwhile, Maulvi Mohammad Rahim Sirat, head of Commerce and Industry department, acknowledged the challenges being faced by carper weavers.

He said: “We will solve the problems of all artisans, especially the carpet artisans; We are trying to build industrial parks for carpet weavers and to find market for their products.”

sa/ma

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