Iran exported $207 million worth of handmade carpets in the first five months of the current calendar year (started March 21, 2010).
The figure shows a 49.51 percent increase in terms of value and 49.37 percent rise in terms of volume in comparison to the same period previous year, the Mehr News Agency reported.
The director of Iran National Carpet Center Faisal Mardasi expressed hope that the value of handmade carpets exports will reach $500 million by the end of the current year.
He had previously said that by offering competitive prices, compared to Indian, Chinese and Pakistani carpets, and adjusting the designs and colors of the carpets to global demand Iran could increase its share in international markets.
The 19th edition of Iran's handmade carpet exhibition will be held at the Tehran Permanent International Fairgrounds from September 23 to 29.
Some 100 tradespersons from 60 countries have been invited to the event.